The heart of Christmas

     

     As Christmas approaches and gift buying is on our minds, I am once more reminded of the greatest gift ever given, and continue to be awed at the wonder of it all. 

     To think that God, our Creator, willingly sent Jesus, His Son who had no sin, to enter the world as a little baby, become human like us, take our sin and thereby give us the greatest gift ever given — an invitation to live eternally with Him in a wonderful place called heaven. This is the heart of Christmas. 

     The following delightful story tells how one individual finally realized what celebrating Christmas is really all about.  

Wings of Faith Found on Snowy Christmas    

     Once upon a time, there was a man who looked upon Christmas as a lot of humbug. He wasn't a scrooge. He was a very kind and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his dealings with other men. But, he didn't believe all that stuff about an incarnation which churches proclaim at Christmas. And, he was too honest to pretend that he did.  
"I am truly sorry to distress you," he told his wife, who was a faithful churchgoer. 
"But I simply cannot understand this claim that God became man. It doesn't make any sense to me."  
     On Christmas Eve, his wife and children went to church for the midnight service. He declined an invitation to accompany them. "I'd feel like a hypocrite," he explained. 
"I'd much rather stay at home. But, I'll wait up for you."  

     Shortly after his family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier. "If we must have Christmas," he reflected, "It's nice to have a white one." He went back to his chair by the fireside and began to read his newspaper. 

     A few minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by another, then another. He thought that someone must be throwing snowballs at the window.    
  
     When he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled in the snow. They had been caught in the storm and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through his window. "I can't let those poor creatures lie there and freeze," he thought,"but how can I help them?"   Then, he remembered the barn where the children's pony was stabled. It would provide a warm shelter. He quickly put on his coat and galoshes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on the light. But, the birds didn't come in. "Food will bring them in," he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail to the barn. 

     To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around them waving his arms. They scattered in every direction... except into the warm, lighted barn. "If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety," he thought.  

     Just at that moment the church bells began to ring. He stood silently for awhile, listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. 

     Then, he sank to his knees in the snow. "Now I understand," he whispered. Now I see why you had to do it."   

— Author Unknown    

     "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."  
(2 Corinthians 5:21)     

     

A blessed and peaceful Christmas to all my blog readers.

— beulah

Knocking on Heaven's door — let Him in

     

     Someone, hoping for more than a temporary life made this statement, "My reasoning tells me that there is nothing, but my heart hopes for something else." 

     No matter how much our minds may reason against God, our hearts cry out for Him. We each have a God-shaped vacuum in our lives, that only He can fill. 

Jonathan Osborne

     Each day as the news media reminds us of the on-going uncertainties and difficulties in our world, we need more than ever, a hope and a secure anchor. 

     Recently, in my files I came across this essay, entitled, Why Do I Need God?  It was written by my eldest grandson, Jonathan, in his mid-teens. 

     I could not explain this subject any better.

Why Do I Need God?

     "You are walking down a dimly lit hallway. There are doors beside you that have words inscribed on them. Some of them read, 

'All you need is money and you will be fine,' 

'You don't need anybody's help. You can do it on your own,' and, 

'God isn't real. Even if He was, He wouldn't care about you.' 

There are many others, but they all have the same message, 

'You don't need God.' 

     Your thoughts run wild trying to decide what is right. You know deep down that you do need Him but a question keeps reoccurring in your mind. 

'Why do I need God?'   

     First of all, we need God because He is the only one who can save us from our sin. We are deceived today by others who say they can deal with their sin. They tell us to go to counselling or help programs. These things can help but because they are of a mortal nature, they can't cleanse us. 

     However, there is still hope. God's simple way is the one and only way. The reason that God is our only Saviour is because He gave Himself for you and me. His love is so great that He took all our sins on Himself and conquered them. As a result, we can be set free. 

     In the Bible it says, 'If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 

     All we have to do is ask for forgiveness and He gives it.

     Therapists and counsellors do a good job of managing sin but God is the only one who can cleanse us completely. 

     Secondly, God is the only one who gives us a true purpose for living. When God is the one in control of our lives, we have a meaningful and worthwhile purpose. I find that when my relationship to God is suffering, I feel, and sometimes look, rotten. 

     It is when I am living for God that I find my greatest joy. 

     Even though the Lord provides such a marvellous offer, the world has to go its own way. People are driven by sins like the love of money, greed, and materialism, sins that only God can help us from. All of these seem very important on earth but when we arrive at the gates of heaven, we will have only one thing on our minds. 
     
     That will be, 'Was God my purpose for living?' 

     If He was, He rewards us by taking us to heaven. On the other hand, God will punish those who chose not to live for Him. Therefore, what our purpose for living is on earth, will determine what will happen to us after we die. 

     Lastly, God is the only one who can give us a hope after death. Some people believe that when you die, you are reincarnated. Others think that you move on to a higher state of being. Many people don't know what happens to you after you die. Although there are a lot of beliefs, Jesus is the only way. Jesus died on the cross, conquering death and removing its sting. So, when we confess our sins and live with God as our purpose, we need not fear death. 

     After we die, God assures us a room in heaven's hotel. 

     Although He died for everyone on earth, Jesus only accepts his believers into His kingdom. Unfortunately, those who choose the path of the world are sent to hell. It must hurt God so much to have to send His much-loved creation into such an awful place. 

     For the followers of Christ, however, we have something incredibly marvellous to look forward to after death, not something to fear. 

     All over the world, people live for all sorts of reasons, mostly for themselves. Those people don't know why we need God so much! 

     Evidently, it is up to us to express our love for the Lord and share why we need Him. You sure don't have to go far to do that. Just look around you. There are thousands of people, just in Kelowna, who desperately need God in there lives. 

     All you have to do is follow the Godspell song,...'So, let your light so shine before men, so that they might know some kindness again...'"

— Jonathan Osborne

     Well said, Jonathan.     

Let's do our part in sharing the GOOD NEWS this Christmas.

— beulah

Aging friends, shining stars

     "Say what you want about aging, it's still the only way to have old friends." 

— Robert Brault

     Someone has said,"There's no point in being grown-up, if you can't be childish sometimes." You just need to let your fun out!  

     

     

     Perhaps, that's how our little party of eight appeared to on-lookers recently, at our local IHOP restaurant. 

     Celebrating our friend, Ellie's 90th birthday, it not only made her day, but ours, also. Ellie is a beautiful lady with a vibrant spirit and a healthy outlook on life in spite of many trials and disappointments that have come her way. 

     We cannot hold back time so, we know old age will eventually overcome our youth. But, age is merely a number and we can still be "young at heart," as many of my friends appear to be. 

     Positive attitudes don't necessarily make all our problems go away, but they can help us create happier, more fulfilled lives. I like to think of it as being a "cheerful chirper"  — giving more attention to what's going right than what's going wrong around us. 

     I read this remark from a legendary movie star — my aging brain can't remember who it was. 

     "There may be snow on the roof, but there's still fire in the furnace." 

     I like that thought! Observing the faces of many of my white-haired, energetic friends — several now in their 90s —  I see them getting up each day, "making every moment count." 

     Consider this... "Some stars sparkle only during the holidays. Others shine all year long." 

     I think of my aging friends as shining stars — as through their acts of caring, they help each other bear the burden of earth's load.  

    
     Every day is a chance to give some part of yourself away, no matter what your age.


— beulah

[Their] love is a many-splendored thing

     Love is a Many Splendored Thing, the title of the popular Hollywood romantic, drama film that hit the box offices in 1955. 

     Crooner Frank Sinatra, along with others, popularized the song of the same name. Just a sampling of the lyrics: 

     "Lost on a high and windy hill, in the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still... 

     Yes, true love's a many splendored thing."   

     What could be more beautiful than two people in love?  

     While travelling this summer, a text message arrived from my lovely, granddaughter Sarah, informing me she had said a strong yes to the proposal of marriage from Tyler Letourneau, her already best friend. 

A year later, Tyler recreates their first date, with a small twist — a marriage proposal.

     

     I wasn't at all surprised to hear the great news, as earlier, Sarah had shared her heart with me — that she was sure she had found the one with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life. 

     Someone aptly said, "Love is a friendship that has caught fire."

     

     What a great way to begin a life-long relationship! 

        
     The Bible has much wisdom to offer — as God, being love personified, is the author of love. 

     
     The Greek word agape is the highest form of love — love that is defined and driven by self-sacrifice. There is no greater example than the love our Heavenly Father has shown us in Christ. 

     

     I believe God has a joyous and peaceful plan for the human family that He wants to bless with a happy future. But why, since 1980, has the divorce rate doubled? 

     Having lived with my marriage partner for over 55 years, I have been considering what I may have learned. 

     I know I lived in that era, like the elderly couple who was asked how they managed to stay together for 65 years. The woman replied, "We were born in an era where if something was broke, you fixed it... not throw it away." 

     But, how can one be sure that the love one feels for another, will grow and carry them together, through the rest of their lives? 

     This was my dilemma, when as a young lass of 22 years of age, I contemplated moving 4,000 miles from my family and friends to join my life with someone that I barely knew. 
(Visit, Seeds of Love: one woman's story of her life, love and legacy — Blurb bookstore preview, pages 32-34). 

     I now, jokingly say, "I was either crazy, naive, really in love, or all of the above." 

     I like this quote by Lao Tzu — "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." 

     Looking back, I am sure this was what gave me the confidence I needed when I said my strong yes to Nels' marriage proposal. Someone said, "If you're strong enough on the inside, you can handle things on the outside." I believe it. 

     Many today, fail to consider what makes a true, loving relationship. It involves all these great words: trust, loyalty, patience, kindness, and sacrifice (which includes selflessness). 

     

     Selfishness and self-serving attitudes are prevalent everywhere, but have no place in a marriage relationship. Accepting the person for who he or she is — is most important.

      Expecting to change your spouse after marriage — just doesn't work. 

     

     As two become one, true love is often measured by a willingness to sacrifice one's own desires for the good of the other. Wow! What a challenge.  

     The ultimate relationship of course, is being a child of God, through faith in Jesus. Nels and I found that as we grew in our relationship with Him, our love for each other deepened through the years. Sarah and Tyler have already acknowledged this, and are off to a great start. 

     The following, is my blessing that I chose to send Sarah and Tyler on their August 8, 2014 engagement. 

     Wise words from — Tertullian, 3rd. Century A.D.  

     "Beautiful the marriage of two christians who are one in hope, one in faith, one in the way of life they practice. 

They are servants of the same master. 

Nothing divides them... 
They pray and worship together, instruct and strengthen one another... 

Side by side they visit God's church, face difficulties together and comfort one another. 

They have no secrets from one another. They never bring sorrow to each other's hearts. Psalms and hymns they sing, and Christ, He rejoices and gives them peace. 

Where two are... 
He is there, and where He is, evil is not."  

     God will be pleased to bless the marriage of Sarah and Tyler — two of His children that He dearly loves.              

     "The prospective father-in-law asked, "Young man, can you support a family?" The surprised groom-to-be replied, "Well, no, I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you will have to fend for yourselves."       

     

     "A real woman can do it all by herself, but a real man wouldn't let her."

— beulah

Family traditions

     "Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."    

— Susan Lieberman

     Recently, our family enjoyed another of our favourite traditions, as 19 of us assembled around our thanksgiving table. 

     

     Family traditions are the rituals, practices and beliefs of a family that are handed down from one generation to the next. They help to shape the family by creating a sense of unity, warmth and togetherness. Priceless memories are created, helping our minds to be filled with peace, love, happiness and security. 

     Family ties become strengthened, and also help bridge the generational gap. 

     In earlier years, when Nels and I were parenting our young family, we had a few rituals we thought were important. One of the rules in our home was that we weren't allowed to go to bed angry. 

     ..."Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry..." Ephesians 4: 26. 

     Disagreements had to be resolved and restitution made between those involved. Accompanying this ritual, after saying, "Good-night" was always, "I love you!" Even to this day, when physically parting or ending a phone conversation, the meaningful words "I love you" are still exchanged. We need to reassure and remind our loved ones how much we care. 

     Thinking back on some of our little rituals, I'm reminded of how much fun our family had playing games together. 

     

Nathan Carter (left) and Jordan Harvey share a hearty laugh.

     Nels usually led the way with his favourite suggestion — Chicken Coop. Birthdays were always special times. We honoured the birthday person-of-the-day by freeing him or her from all household chores, along with special surprises. 

     Pausing to give thanks before each meal has always been a meaningful ritual for our family. Giving thanks is not simply a matter of being polite, but of expressing dependency on God, realizing, "every good and perfect gift comes from His hand." 

     Happy families stay together by intentionally spending meaningful times with each other, but it takes planning and resolve from each family member. 

     Since our premier set aside the second weekend in February as B.C. Family Day weekend, our family has tried to make it just that — a time to share together. 

     

Recently engaged couple, Sarah Eagles and Tyler Letourneau.

 When celebrating Christmas or Thanksgiving, coming together, sharing traditional dishes, and perhaps another family portrait, may just be the glue that helps keep a family unit together. For me, the value of these family rituals, is priceless!  

     Some rituals remind us of important spiritual truths. Before Jesus returned to heaven, He shared His last supper with His followers, reminding them and us, as believers, "As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death 'till He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)  

     Perhaps we need to restore the meaning to some of our rituals, with a feeling of gratitude for the wonderful gifts traditions often bring.    

Tevye — "Traditions, traditions. Without traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as... as a fiddler on the roof!"

— beulah

Travel tales: Making the most of my Maritime moments

     

     It's been said the only story God can't use is the one that isn't told. With that thought in mind, I am grateful I felt led to write mine — "Seeds of Love." 

     

     As I reviewed my life, I was awed at the many, unexpected ways the Lord provided for and directed me. Seeds of love that were planted early in my life, have enabled me to scatter seeds of love throughout my journey. 

     Perhaps, the life and times of a young girl will somehow be an inspiration to others: born in the 30s in the maritimes; on the outskirts of a quiet country village; one, who lived in a simpler day; taught in rural settings; lived through the effects of the Second World War; and, as a young bride, left family and friends to forge a new life in the West. 

     I've learned God can do amazing things with what we often term "insignificant."  

     

     I recently donated copies of my autobiography to the New Brunswick Public Libraries Foundation, and they have been directed, as per my request to the Fredericton, Moncton, Salisbury and Sussex libraries. 

     After viewing a pdf sampling of my book, they eagerly accepted this piece of recorded history, and also suggested the Provincial Archives would be pleased to own one as well. A copy has since been forwarded to them. 

     

     I am pleased that my life story will be added to the fabric of maritime history. Imagine then, my anticipation and eagerness to visit each of these libraries where my book has been placed. 

     Each library had been advised of the day I planned to drop by, and were asked to have my book available for signing. 

     So, the last stop on our day's tour of Fredericton brought us to the city library. Easily recognizing me as the author of the book now on display, I was warmly greeted with enthusiasm by the library staff at each city. 

     

     These young folk seemed anxious to connect with this white-haired "grandma" author. 

     One young man told me he had duties throughout the day that took him away from the main desk, and he feared he would miss meeting me. I was so impressed with all their kindnesses and interest.

     Though only a short visit at each library, the camaraderie and fun conversations along with the warm hugs, just might help them understand why the author entitled her book, "Seeds of Love."

     

     Though our maritime travels were coming to an end, we still had two wonderful days before us, anxious to spend it with more family in Hampton, Quispamsis and Saint John. 

     

     

     Nephew Wayne, our next chauffeur, brought us from Sussex to their quaint, village of Hampton. Not remembering ever being here before, I found it quite delightful, with playful deer freely roaming about this peaceful town. 

     We were soon enjoying Mary's gracious hospitality, along with her tasty lunch, homemade soup and all. The plan for the afternoon was for us girls and Wayne to visit his mom, my sister Glenna, at the Turnbull Nursing Home in Saint John city. 
     

     We later learned that Mary, who chose to not accompany us, was preparing a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, which we later enjoyed. My large family that I once had — five sisters and a brother, has slowly diminished with the passing of time. 

     

     Now, I must be grateful for my two remaining sisters, Merle, living nearby in Kelowna, B.C. and Glenna, all of 97 years living with the debilitating disease, Alzheimer's. 

     It is difficult to know just how much she truly grasped, as in her own way, she warmly greeted Karen and Debi.

     Recalling stories and incidents of the early years seemed to put a smile upon her face. 

     

     

     The following day, beginning with breakfast at Cora's Restaurant, we took a tour of Saint John. 

         

     A walk through the park at King's Square, and on to the sights and smells of the huge, city market, purchasing maple products to bring back home with us. 

     

     Checking out some of the shops, a glimpse once more of the Saint John High School where I spent two summers taking courses, and another visit with Glenna at the care home. 

     














     

     Seeing all of us, her eyes lit up and she seemed excited to greet us. Glenna became quite engaged, as the girls and I began harmonizing old hymns and songs, she began mouthing some words she remembered. 

     How difficult it is, when we have to say good-bye to those we love. 

     

     A very full day came to an end with a delicious dinner at Stephanie and Andrew's home. We were all so relaxed.

     Also, meeting Shelley and Dan, and finding that family bond with these second cousins — meeting for the first time — created even more special memories. 

     
     

     There was another serendipitous moment at the Saint John Airport the following morning, as we prepared to board our flight. 
     
     Because of difficult circumstances, our hopes of seeing Larry and Nancy (my nephew and wife), looked as though it was not to be. 

     What a surprise, then, to have them appear in time for lots of hugs and noisy chatter. Soon, the airplane was carrying us across our vast Canada once more, but now, to our own "nest in the west" — our hearts filled with gratitude and over-flowing with precious memories of a "once-in-a-lifetime" adventure.  

     Ernest Hemingway once said, "Never go on trips with anyone you do not love." 

     

     I'm so glad I chose three special people in my life that I dearly love  — Mark, Debi, and Karen. Even after all those days of "togetherness"  — we are still the best of friends.    
So ends our maritime saga.

 — beulah

Travel tales: Maritime memories v2.0

     

     In anticipation of another day of "travelling back to yesteryear," our chauffeur, niece Joan, appeared right on time. 

     Collecting us and our luggage, we left the Amsterdam Inn, making our way out of the city. 

     We decided to travel a quiet, country road leading to my home village of Salisbury, a route I had travelled many times during my youthful days. 

     I soon became aware just how little this area had changed. Motoring past farm homes of people I once knew, I couldn't help but wonder their whereabouts, and what life had brought to them. 

     Enjoying the peaceful drive and the morning sunshine, our eyes suddenly spotted a huge field of bright, yellow, sunflower faces.

     Joan willingly pulled to the side of the road, so the girls could capture this "feast for our eyes," on film. 

     

     To the community of my childhood, and, another trek down memory lane to show Karen and Debi the elementary school I attended, now converted to a residence; my little country church; nearby the site of our community ice rink; a visit to their grandparents' (Eagles and Estabrooks), gravesides. 

     Also, the location of my home where I was born, now a part of a highway expansion that includes a large, restaurant service station called, Irving's Big Stop. 

     

     We decided it was a good time to pause here for refreshment. While having lunch at the restaurant, I looked out across to the field where my home once stood. 

     During a few moments of reflection, I tried to remember my early days there as a child, envisioning my hopes and dreams. I realize this part of my early history laid the foundation of who I am today. 

     While the landscape of our lives keep changing, to recreate the magic and moments of by-gone times, just cannot happen.  

     

     The modest village of Salisbury had been the centre of my growing-up years.  

     Memories etched in my heart; grocery shopping with my parents as a young child, meanwhile, delightfully distracted by the assortment of penny candy, along with the sights and smells of Colpitts' country store; curiously watching the local blacksmith fit farm horses with new shoes; meeting teenaged friends to take in a Saturday night movie at the community hall; my high school days here; and years later, married in the village church. 

     Now, meandering along these same streets with my daughters, I see the many changes the passing of years always bring. 

     

     And yet, there are some things that never change, like the good 'ole down-east' welcome I always receive. 

     The hot afternoon sun reminded us that a cold treat at the nearby ice cream stand would be just what we needed. 

     
     Engaging in conversation with an amiable group of ladies who were parked on a bench — enjoying their ice cream under the shade of the elm trees — I was surprised to learn that one was the wife of Floyd, my fellow classmate at elementary school. 

     

     It was time to end our exploring for the day, and so we were off to Portage Vale and Joan's home for the night. 

     En route, a surprise stop — a quick "hello" to Brent, Joan's son, for a hug and to tour the lovely home he had recently built. 

     As Lloyd greeted us on their shady verandah, we were soon relaxing in the coolness of the late afternoon — a glass of lemonade in hand. In those peaceful moments, we became absorbed with the panorama before us — soft, rolling hills and green countryside, their lovely, picturesque farm spread out before our eyes. 

     

     After Joan's delicious supper and an evening of great conversation, we felt, indeed blessed. 

     
     Upstairs we traipsed, and laid our tired heads upon our pillows, in the quaint rooms of this delightful homestead. 

     We were delighted to hear next morning that our breakfast was to be at the Taste and See cafe at Sussex Corner. We knew that our day was off to a great start. 

     Joan and Lloyd's son Stephen, just happens to be the mayor of the town, and their daughter-in-law Janice (Stephen's wife), along with Joanne Barton, own and operate this cafe, together.

     It has quite a charming atmosphere, advertised as a place where the owners want you to see that "the Lord is good and the food is good." 

     A chalkboard hangs, where patrons can write inspirational quotes or words of wisdom. Known for their organic coffee and gluten-free muffins, I was impressed to see handwritten words of encouragement on every takeout coffee cup holder. 

     

     A "Keeping it Holy" sign on the door explaining their Sunday closure, and a cowbell that satisfied customers can ring as they leave, were just a few of the unique touches. 

     

     Goodbye hugs among the cousins, and our blessings for their continuing success, we moved into our day. A motor trip to Fredericton awaited us, with Gerry once more at the helm. 

     Her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Anne-Marie, welcomed us to their lovely home at Upper Kingsclear, a few miles beyond the city. 

     

     How we enjoyed Anne-Marie's delicious lunch she served  on their patio, along with lots of love and gracious hospitality. Rodney, another of the girl's cousins they hadn't yet met, dropped by on his lunch break, adding to the delight of it all!   

     Fredericton is the city where I attended Teacher's College as a fetching, young lass. 

     Memories of those exciting days drew me back in time, as we drove along the street, Waterloo Row, searching for No. 216. The changes over the years, made it difficult to find the exact, immense Victorian-style home that housed me and a dozen or so other university students. 

     

     But, I like to think the hilarious shouts of laughter that resounded from one of those upstairs bedrooms — as we prepared for our fall masquerade — is still echoing down the corridors of time.  

     

     While walking the streets, we came upon the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, a museum located in the heart of downtown Fredericton. 

  

     We were proud to find, among their considerable portrait collection, former professional ice hockey player Mike Eagles, who's residence we had just bid farewell to.

More stories to come... 

I'm not yet finished with "tales of a town" — Fredericton.  




— beulah