Life, after death: an 'egg'cellent story

     

     This is the message of Easter that we have been celebrating this past weekend: 

     "... Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." 

— Philippians 2:6-11   

     Ultimately, all will one day acknowledge Him as Lord, whether willingly or not. The Easter message is one that even a child can understand and receive. 

     Consider this true story: A primary class was being given a lesson about the season of spring. Among the group was a little Downs Syndrome boy called Phillip. 
     Phillip could not always give the right answers like the rest of the boys and girls, so many times he was laughed at and not always treated kindly. To help reinforce her lesson, the teacher gave each child a coloured plastic egg and took them to the out-of-doors, to see what reminders of spring they could find, to put inside their egg. 
     Later, back inside, each child opened his egg and told about what they had found. One child opened her blue one to reveal a tiny new flower — certainly a very obvious sign of new life. 
     Next, the orange one was opened and some warm, brown soil fell out–certainly necessary to promote new life. The pink one had a tiny little butterfly, ready to fly off, using its tiny, new wings. The yellow egg opened to reveal a smooth, unusually shaped stone. 
     

     Then, one child opened his green egg and showed he had found a new, green blade of grass.

     It was Phillip's turn to open his purple egg. 

     But, when he opened it — there was nothing inside. The children all started to laugh at Phillip for not understanding what the teacher had asked. 
     "But I did," Phillip insisted. "Mine is like the empty tomb — Jesus wasn't there 'cause he rose from the dead to bring new life to us!'" 

     The children were awed by his answer, realizing what a great answer it was. They soon began being kinder to Phillip and saw him as their new friend. A few months later, Phillip took sick and passed away. At the funeral, all his classmates were there, and each one took their coloured egg up front and placed it in a basket along with Phillip's purple one, as a special memory of this very special classmate and friend.    

     "Do you believe in life after death?" the boss asked one of his employees. "Yes, sir," the new employee replied. "Well then, that makes everything just fine," the boss went on. 
"After you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother's funeral, she stopped in to see you!"

— beulah

Walk this way

     I have just returned from my daily, thirty minute walk — a little tired, but refreshed. Today, it took me 45 minutes to complete my usual route, due to one of my hips that kept complaining loudly, which I am told can happen anytime, to an aging body. 

     But, having begun my routine, dedication to the cause is necessary. To see the different blossoms bursting forth in all their glory, is a treat I get to enjoy along the way — forsythia, cherry and the lovely magnolia trees! 

     Even the birds are out of winter's hiding, flitting from tree to tree, with their noisy conversations. I was also amazed this week, to see the first, little butterfly hovering over the shrubs near my patio. It reminds me of the delightful, little song I used to teach to my kindergarten students: 

The birdies in the treetops sing their songs, 
The angels in the choir, sing all day long. 
The flowers in the garden blend their hue, 
So, why shouldn't I, why shouldn't you, praise Him too? 

   

 I did just that, inhaling the warm, fresh air. Someone in my family suggested I should carry a phone, bringing music to my ears, helping to propel me along. But, my walking poles do that, as I choose the quiet moments of meditation and exchange I enjoy with my Heavenly Father. 

     With all the noise surrounding us in our world today, occasionally, quiet moments can seem priceless. 

     I find it a great time to review special verses of scripture I have committed to memory, or to hum an inspiring song that comes to mind.

     I believe appropriate exercise should be top priority for any age, along with proper diet. 

     My Doc would be pleased with my efforts, showing I am serious in lowering my cholesterol count.        

     So... "Don't let aging get you down. It's too hard to get back up!"   

     "Everything slows down with age, except the time it takes cake and ice cream to reach your hips."    

     "Forget health food. I'm at an age where I need all the preservatives I can get."

— Jane Seabrook

— beulah

Thank God, it's Good Friday

The Miracle of Jesus

by Maclean Dopp Laird

     Ten-year-old Maclean has been passionate about art for as long as his parents can remember. He's busy either doodling, drawing, crafting, painting and creating and loves it. 

     Maclean painted this picture at his art class with Kamloops artist Karla Pearcehttp://www.karlapearcegallery.com, because he knew Easter was coming and he wanted to put it on display at his church. 

     This painting shows Jesus and the two criminals being crucified. The power, shown as light, is coming from Heaven and represents the power of Jesus taking away our sins and pushing the devil back down to Hell, because our sins are forgiven.

     

     

     Many times throughout our journey of life we are called to commitment.   

     It may be to special project, like young Maclean's art work, an important task or, to a relationship.

     We soon learn that determination and resolve are needed, if we are to be successful in any venture. This is especially true in our relationships. Love calls for commitment and a choice. The more we choose to love, the stronger our commitment becomes. 

     Jesus came to earth with a determination and a sole purpose to die for us. What an example of love and commitment! 

     Nearing the end of his life, he tried to prepare his followers for his imminent death. He said, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again" 

— Luke 18: 31-33

     

     But this concept was too difficult for them to accept, even though they had probably read the prophet's prediction of the Messiah's death... 

     "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed" 
    

— Isaiah 53:5 

     As Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, an animal symbolic of humility and peace, he was surrounded by large crowds who were spreading their cloaks on the road and waving palm leaves. 

     Praising and shouting, "Hosanna in the highest," they were declaring Him as Messiah and King. 

     

     

     Ironically, very soon, much of the crowd's shouting became, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" But, the plot of His accusers unwittingly set in motion God's divine plan for saving the world, to which, Jesus was fully committed.      

     "It was Palm Sunday and because of a sore throat, five-year-old Johnny stayed home with a sitter. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm branches. 
     The boy asked what they were for. People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by, he was told, 'Wouldn't you know it,' the boy fumed, 'the one Sunday I don't go, He shows up!'"

— beulah

A politician's life, well-lived

     

     

     This week, with shock, sadness and tears, I, too, shared the grief of losing one of my favourite politicians, and in my estimation — the best of the best. 
     Presently, people across our nation are mourning the death of Canada's former finance minister, Jim Flaherty. 

     

     For years, Flaherty was the captain of our nation's economy. Many dubbed him "the greatest finance minister in the world." His decisions affected all of us, as he kept Canada on track during difficult economic times. 
     
     He showed fierce loyalty and extra-ordinary dedication as a public servant, even to his last days in office while battling health issues. Having been born of Irish descent to a family of eight children, his Irish Catholic heritage, together, with those earlier teachings, obviously helped to produce the character, so many admired. 

     I am impressed with the many honours and accolades I have heard from his fellow parliamentarians. 

     Here are just a few: 

..." a decent human being, likeable, devoted, contented and happy, honest, made all feel welcome in his presence; did not have a self-important attitude, friendly; a man of character; congenial — didn't let political differences get in the way; and, had the manners of a gentleman."  

     There seems to be a lack of decorum and restraint shown in the political arena today. Mr. Flaherty showed he was a steward of his own behaviour, usually choosing to not participate in the verbal battles surrounding him.  

     

     Many will honour his memory this week, at a well-deserved, state funeral. They will remember the friendly gentleman, who, with that Irish glint in his eye and a great sense of humour, was often ready with a mischievous quote or an inspiring thought. 

     
     Nothing short of honourable, was the generous and compassionate spirit shown by he and his wife, as they contributed to making life better for those less fortunate, helping to create the Ability Centre in their hometown. 

     My hope is, that as politicians gather to remember a life well-lived, they may purpose to emulate his fine example, carrying forth his great legacy.    

     

     I believe this would be the "blessing" he would choose to leave his "fellow-travellers." 

May the road rise up to meet you  
May the wind be always at your back  
May the sun shine warm upon your face  
And the rain fall soft upon your fields  
And until we meet again  
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

— Irish blessing

— beulah

No trivial pursuit

     

     I'm always pleased to welcome the month of April, knowing it will soon be heralding the beauties of springtime. 

     As a child, I liked the ditty, "April showers bring mayflowers." 

     

     I looked with expectancy for the first, tiny blossoms of the aroma-filled mayflower plants, that began to appear throughout the wooded areas, near my New Brunswick home. These still remain as some of my earliest springtime memories. 

     The words of King Solomon also come to mind at this time of year. 

     "See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." 

— Song of Songs 2:11

  
     

     April is also exam writing time for university students.  Many are looking forward with great relief, to a break from the books and the pressures of higher learning. Some, will be welcoming graduation day, and that long, sought after degree. 
     

     Others — like my grandsons Nathan and Brayden — will be searching out summer employment, to aid their return to classes in the fall. Granddaughter Sarah will enjoy her "grand finish" and much-deserved teaching degree.  

     According to statistics, many graduate over-qualified for the jobs available. Though there has been a recent job growth in the younger age range, there remains a skilled labour shortage. Workers have recently been imported from Ireland to fill the void. 

     Perhaps, instead of pursuing a university degree, college or technical school training might be a wise choice for some of today's youth, looking to be more assured of employment following graduation.   

     Speaking of exam time — consider the following answers given by a brilliant student who obtained 0 per cent on the following test:  

• 1. In which battle did Napoleon die?  

Answer: His last battle.  

• 2. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?  

Answer: At the bottom of the page.  

• 3. River Ravi flows in which state? 

Answer: Liquid.  

• 4. What is the main reason for divorce?  

Answer: Marriage.  

• 5. What is the main reason for failure?  

Answer: Exams.  

• 6. What can you never eat for breakfast?  

Answer: Lunch and dinner.  

• 7. What looks like half an apple?  

Answer: The other half.  

• 8. How can a man go eight days without sleeping? 

Answer: No problem, he sleeps at night.  

• 9. If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand, and four apples and three oranges in the other hand, what would you have?  

Answer: Very large hands. 

• 10. How can you drop a raw egg on to a concrete floor without cracking it?  

Answer: Concrete floors are very hard to crack... Groan!!!  


— beulah

They came for the children

     "It was like living like a dog. A society, which at one time wanted the Indian child dead, buried or just plain forgotten." 

—  from a survivor of one of Canada's residential schools 

     

   

   
     The first national event of its kind — the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the four-day event just wrapped up in Edmonton. 

     

     The city's mayor Don Iverson proclaimed March 2014 to March 2015 a year of reconciliation. The province of Alberta will now include the history of residential schools in its curriculum — creating a greater public awareness — much welcomed by the survivors.

     

     It has been said, that there are 80,000 former residential school students still living. 

     For over 100 years, aboriginal children across Canada were taken from their families and placed in these schools. They were stripped of their language, cultural identity and traditions and endured unbelievable abuse. 

     

     During the reconciliation event many Canadian survivors found comfort together as they shared haunting memories of the experiences they lived through. 

     

     "Often, stories need to be heard to inspire change." 

     An apology was recently offers by Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to this 'now' generation of aboriginal Canadians. I expect there are many others, like myself, that have never fully understood why this very dark part of our Canadian history had to unfold as it did. 
     
     Could there not have been a more humane way found, in dealing with this issue? I am appalled, to realize such atrocities happened in my wonderful Canada  — "the land of the free" — to human beings like myself, all created in God's own image. 

     

     We realize, it is often difficult to make right, the many wrongs from our past. But, left us pray for forgiveness, and that a history lesson such as this one will never again repeat itself.
     As Canadians, may we learn to embrace each other with mutual respect, obeying Christ's command to... "love our neighbour as ourself," creating a better shared history for the generations yet to come.

     "We have committed The Golden Rule to memory; now let us commit it to life."

— E. Markham  

— beulah