Noah [Ah, No]

     

     "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

— Psalm 19:1   

     Today, I observed another of God's beautiful gifts. Looking out my window, I was awed at the gorgeous sight before my eyes. I have always been fascinated with rainbows since I was a child. This one I was now seeing was absolutely spectacular! 

     A huge deluge of rain was pelting down from heavy, dark clouds. Though the sun was still shining brightly, it had already made its way to the west, preparing to make its exit for the day. 
     Consequently, it caused this large, colourful arch to form that stretched from one end of the sky to the other. It seemed so close. What a panoramic view I had from my patio. 

     Every time I see a rainbow, I remember God's promise. 

     After the flood, God made a covenant, (a visible seal or reminder) with Noah, his sons, and all generations to come. 

     Genesis 9:13-15 says — "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life."     

     Presently, in the theatres, Hollywood is displaying its rendition of Noah's ark, by Darren Aronofsky. After reading some of the reviews, I would not recommend it. 
     Some reviews said, "It did not contain a lot of Biblical truths, with little remnant of the Bible's account of the flood recognizable."     

     

     Once again, we recently marked Earth Day on Saturday, Mar. 29. We were reminded to turn off all electric lights at the same time, for one hour. 

     It's one of the many ways we can consciously preserve and care for this beautiful world God gave us to enjoy. 

— beulah

Like Honest Abe, we all have it in us

     Honesty is the best policy. A phrase I've heard since I was a child. 

     Webster's dictionary says, a policy is "a sensible, wise or shrewd plan."  What does it mean to be honest? Again, the dictionary says — "one who is trustworthy, not given to lying, stealing or cheating, sincere, not criminal."  

     So, what does honesty look like?  I recently read a story about a vending machine malfunction. It seems the coins kept returning, along with the chosen candy bars. The response to the dilemma — noted by an observer — was quite amazing. 

     Some people — after trying once and realizing there was a problem — left it and walked away. Another, surprised at his good fortune, filled his pockets while texting a few of his buddies. No one bothered to use their phone to alert the company. 

     We often feel that those who are brazen enough to steal boldly, should get caught. Most of us, at times, fool ourselves into believing we are basically good people. Meanwhile, when we are presented with a situation where lying, cheating or stealing could prove an advantage without being detected, it's easy to fall prey to the temptation. 

     

     I've heard that many university students regularly cheat on exams, while the professor turns a blind eye. It makes one wonder how valuable are their diplomas. 

     Almost daily, we hear of another dishonest politician in the news, but — "you may be sure that your sin will find you out."  (Numbers 32:23). 

     

     God has given us His laws so that we may order our lives to be a benefit to society. We find them in the Bible in Exodus, Chapter 20, known as the Ten Commandments. 

     The last two address this subject.

"You shall not steal, ... you shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour." 

     God's laws show us how short we fall in keeping them. There is no fear in God today, and no fear of the consequence of sin, (the breaking of God's laws) — only a fear of being caught, by the law, and sent to jail. 

So, what does honesty look like?    

     The 16th, president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was appropriately nicknamed "Honest Abe." 

     In earlier years — before being appointed to the presidency — he managed a country store. As in everything that he undertook for others, Lincoln did his very best. 

     On one occasion, as he counted his cash for the day, he discovered he had shortchanged a customer. He closed the store and walked a long distance to make good the deficiency. 

     Through the years, he carried his regard for the truth, while serving at the White House. For Lincoln, the truth was not worth sacrificing for any gain, no matter how great the gain. What an inspiration for our leaders of today!  

     Another story depicting honesty comes to mind — one a little closer to home.  

     My husband Nels, at 21 years of age, entered into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, while serving in the Canadian Military at the R.C.A.F. base at Patricia Bay on Vancouver Island. It was life-changing for Nels.  

     

      While there, he began to discover his focus for living. He realized there were situations from his past he must now make right before God and his fellowman. So, on one of his visits to his home province, Nels searched out the proprietor of the village store. 

     

     He confessed that he had stolen items from the man's store as a teen, while in high school. 

He asked for forgiveness and, like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8), paying back four times the stolen amount, he settled the account. 

     During our many years together, I observed Nels' commitment to honesty and integrity. Our children still recall how their dad struggled with having company pens at home, bearing the Sears logo. He felt it might appear that he was stealing — taking advantage of his job. 

     But, it's God's love, through Jesus, that brings us forgiveness and empowerment, producing such qualities in our lives. 

     For it is "... not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 4:6).    

"Honesty means... never having to look over your shoulder."

— beulah

When Irish eyes are smiling

     

     "St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time — a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic."   

— Adrienne Cook

     I am not convinced it will be summer anytime soon but, I"m sure spring is "just around the corner." 

     I've heard it said, "There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were." I have found Irish folk to be an interesting species. 

     

     Once again, as St. Patrick's Day arrives, we visualize: shamrocks, leprechauns with their 'pots of gold' at the end of the rainbow, the famous Blarney stone, Irish crystal, the River Dance, corn beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and Irish beer. 
     Though St. Patrick is still considered the patron saint of Ireland, there are many myths surrounding him. 

     

     It's been said he was active as a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century. Legend credits him with using the shamrock to explain to the Irish, the concept of the Trinity — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. St. Patrick died on March 17, around 493. This day continues to be celebrated, not only in Ireland, but around the world.  

     As St. Patrick's Day comes around each year, memories fill my mind of the Ireland that Nels and I were privileged to visit, as, via motor coach, we toured the noted "Fabled Isles" in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. 

     
     

     Ireland's beautiful, lush landscape with its varied shades of green; no doubt, as a result of the oft Irish mist interspersed with sunshine, proved the 1961 song, written by Johnny Cash, "Forty Shades of Green," to be so true. 

"I close my eyes and picture, the emerald of the sea, from the fishing boats at Dingle to the shores of Donadea, I miss the River Shannon and the folks at Skibbereen, the moorlands and the meadows with their Forty Shades of Green."  

     

     A highlight of the tour was our visit to Blarney. No, I didn't get to kiss the famous Blarney stone which is supposed to give you "the gift of blarney, or help you speak convincingly," but, Nels said I already had enough "blarney." Time was short, and my desire was to visit the Blarney Woollen Mill Factory store. Of course, I walked out with a Lindsay plaid wool cape – still a great reminder of our Irish adventures. 

     Then, off on a drive through Killarney National Park, 25,000 acres of breath-taking beauty, on a "horse-drawn jaunting cart" driven by a man called a "jarvey." We learned these Kerry folk spin many tales, have a droll sense of humour and are often the brunt of stupid jokes. He had one of his own for us.  

     ..."How do you recognize a Kerryman in a hospital with a wife that has given birth to twins? Oh, he's the one that has been running around trying to find the father of the second baby."  

The Irish are known for their "blessings."  

     A few of my favourites... "As you slide down the bannister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction."   
     

     "May you have warm words on a cold evening. A full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door."      

     "When Irish eyes are smiling... they're up to something."

— Unknown     

     

     Today, finds me completing blog post No. 100 — having begun this venture exactly one year ago this month. 
     

     A "big thanks" to all of you for reading my reflections and for your comments.  

     Let's just say, "We'll leave the future in His hands."

— beulah

You've got a friend in me

     

     "Sweet is the memory of distant friends and those long-departed."

— Beulah Eagles

     "Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart."

 — Washington Irving    

     Friends are gifts we are blessed with as we make our journeys through life. Some remain, others leave us all too soon. 

     I wish to honour the memory of a dear, sweet friend named, Fran, whose life left a lasting impression on my life, in so many ways. 
     

     Today would have been her birthday. She left us at age 59.  Fran was a beautiful girl, with a flawless complexion, strong facial features, and limpid, brown eyes complementing her lovely auburn hair. Her quiet demeanour added to her attractiveness. 

     

     Becoming best friends during high school, and continuing throughout our college days, we soon sensed we were kindred spirits with similar dreams and aspirations. Our careers enabled us to live and work in the same city. 
     
     When Nels, the "love-of-my-life" came along, she would often be the fourth person on our double date. 

     As I moved west, we spanned the many miles between us, with frequent correspondence. I missed her greatly. 

     

     Once, while she was visiting us in the West, Nels had the bright idea of inviting his bachelor-friend, Lew, over for dinner, engaging our match-making skills. 

     Wonder of wonders, the rest became history! 

     Once more, having my best friend close by, was exciting. It was not to last. 

     

     Soon, she and her family "took up roots" in northern British Columbia, and, once more, hand-written contact became the norm. 

     The ensuing years, found us sharing the excitement of each new addition to our growing families, along with the joys, sorrows and the many blessings God had allowed us. 

     

     Fran's quiet perseverance and dedication to her family and friends, always with a kind and gracious spirit, left a lasting impression on me, even to this day. 

     

     

     Fran quietly lived her faith, daily, accepting life "head-on," and faced her death in much the same way. When giving her valedictory speech at our high school graduation, she included these lines: 

"For life is the mirror of king and slave, 
'Tis just we are and do. 
Then give to the world the best you have, 
And the best will come back to you." 

     
     It seemed this message became hers. Her quiet hope and faith in God helped her focus on letting her light shine so as to make a positive difference in the world. In the midst of darkness and difficulties, it was  obvious her faith kept her strong. 
     Already having been diagnosed with cancer, she was called upon to bear the grief of the early and sudden death of her daughter, slightly more than a year prior to her own passing. Just now, reading again my last letter from her, (less than a month before her leaving us), I'm over-whelmed with her love and concern for me... her forever friend.
  

     Visiting her in the cancer clinic in Vancouver, never once did I hear a complaint or a question, "Why me?" 

     

     With the faith of a child, she believed that God would take care of her family for her, and would see them all "safely home."

     Typical of "my Fran" strong and organized, during her last days she arranged her funeral service. Still focusing on the One she dearly loved and knew she would soon meet, she included the following reminder for us.    

     

..."To Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you before His glorious Presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God, our Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more. Amen."   
— Jude 1: 24-25.    

     Fran, you were my "every-day hero!" I still miss you.

— beulah

A shout out, to community helpers

     

     This week, I had my regular massage "tune-up" at the clinic in my neighbourhood. Having been their regular patron for many years, it now seems like a friendly visit to my neighbours. 

     As I consider the many folk throughout my community that are part of my day-to-day world, I feel my response should be one of gratefulness. My life would be lacking without many of them.  

     One of my assignments in college — while preparing for my teaching career — was to create a lesson plan for a primary class that would help them become aware of the people that served in their community.         

     In later years, while teaching kindergarten and pre-school classes, the community helpers theme was an important part of the curriculum, with first-hand experiences: visits to the bakery, fire hall, library, music school and classroom visits from our local RCMP.

     It helped the children develop an awareness and appreciation for the different people that contributed to their lives on a daily basis. 

     Now, as I go about my weekly errands, I often think of the many people that regularly touch my life — those who assist me in so many ways.

     They are my "community helpers." Only a few of them do I know by first name basis but, I can't help but think of them as friends.

    

     Whether it's Dorothy at The Bay, who helps me find just the right item; my favourite bank teller who always remembers "my" name; the friendly staff at Save-On Foods; the gal who wears the colourful clothes and graciously assists me at Sears; or, the different operators, like Christine, who I've got to know during those weekly visits to my hair salon.

     And, of course, my church leaders, who help me celebrate community each week, assisting me in better understanding and celebrating life.  

     Sometimes, as a way of showing my appreciation, I practice a RAK (random act of kindness). 

     When our local The Bay store decided to close its coffee shop (much to me and my buddies' dismay), a hand-written note and a "sweet" gift from Purdy's Chocolates to those who had graciously served me many times, helped to express my "thanks." 
     
     My Surprise Puff muffins became an instant hit when I shared them with the staff at my hair salon. I find opportunities abound if I just look for them — ways to make someone else's day a little brighter. 

     Meanwhile, it's helping me practice having a grateful heart.   

     

A wise quote from Mr. Rogers... 

     "I believe that appreciation is a holy thing, that when we look for what's best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we're doing what God does; so in appreciating our neighbour, we're participating in something truly sacred."     

     

     "Love me for who I am, not for who you want me to be."

— beulah

Cell phone versus the Bible

     

      Recently, on the TV news show, The National, I heard the subject being discussed, "How are computers shaping this generation of kids?" 

     

     Living in a digital world, our today's kids have never known anything but constant change, having been introduced to social media at a young age. 
     It seems experts are beginning to wonder, could it be altering our kids brains?  

     A group of young teens were interviewed and asked if they ever daydreamed, and for how long? The answer was, "maybe thirty seconds a day, but, I'm too busy." 

     Daydreaming was once considered a lazy hobby. Studies now suggest it can boost one's creative and imaginative skills and can act as a tool for goal attainment.  We're told, 87 per cent of teens own a computer or, have access to one, and 67 per cent own a mobile phone. For many, their best friend is a machine. When asked what they would do without their phone or computer, one young lad replied, "I'd go crazy!" 

     Could it be our over-wired kids are missing out on face-to-face human involvement, where empathy and sensitivity is learned? 

     During the interview, the teens were also asked what they valued most — fame was No. 1, money No. 2. In earlier decades, these two choices by teens rated No. 15 and No. 16 on the list. 

     What has changed within our society to cause our youth of today to feel these values are most important to them? 

     It was suggested, that in earlier decades family values and a sense of community and empathy towards others, came through loud and clear. 

     

     Who can forget the warm, neighbourly feelings we felt as we sat in front of the television and watched such family fare as: The Andy Griffith Show, Happy Days, I Love Lucy, or Lavern and Shirley.  The programs now available for our teens are the American Idol or Hanna Montana, emphasizing such values as beauty, fame and riches. A young teen in the interview, shared how she loved taking "selfie" pictures, putting them online, just to see how many "likes" she could garner. After all, who doesn't want to feel pretty and famous? 
     But, fame like beauty and fortune, can be fleeting and you can soon be forgotten by the crowd. 
     An important lesson to be learned by us all. Someone has said, "Only a mature mind can sort out the complexities of life, and fix on things that matter."  

     

     To have instant contact with family and friends is a marvellous Internet invention we are enjoying in this now generation. Wonderful, for sure! But, like everything else... "moderation is the key!"       

     
     Permit me to include the following — food for thought.   

Cell Phone versus the Bible   

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we 
treated our cellphone.  

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?  

What if we flipped through it several times a day?  

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?  

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?  

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?    

Hmm... where is my Bible?

— beulah

Now showing: Son of God

     

     Last Friday, I attended the first night showing of the big screen feature film, entitled, Son of God, that is presently appearing in our local theatres. 

     The ratings success of the 10- hour miniseries, The Bible (100 million viewers in America alone) that was shown earlier on television, seemed to convince Hollywood to pursue this faith-based film. Produced by the husband-and-wife team, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, devoted Christ-followers, they are obviously, creatively, living their faith. I have always admired Roma Downey, and still watch Touched By An Angel that she stars in. Mark Burnett, is best known as the creator of the reality shows, Survivor and The Apprentice.  Though having to view many tough scenes, which are necessary in showing the living reality of Christ's life and his horrible death, in particular, it is family-friendly fare. Every Christ-follower, especially, should see the film so as realize more vividly the awful price Jesus lovingly and willingly paid for 'our redemption from sin' to bring us 'eternal life.'  
     

     It's been said, people have been having positive experiences as many, perhaps for the first time, are realizing just "who Jesus is." 

     In a screening in Los Angeles, 40 people came to Christ as a result of watching the movie.    

     Unfortunately, in our "educated era" with knowledge abounding, the truths of the Bible are often left on the shelf, and are not being given priority in this "our now  generation."  

     So, invite your friends to accompany you to the movie while it is in town, maybe introducing them for the first time to the Son of God, who himself said, "I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father (God), except through Me." (John 14:6)   

     

     "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true — even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.  (1 John 5:20)         

     "Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse."

— beulah