What is there about babies that makes us smile? Many stop everything at the sight or sound of a baby, just to gaze at the little wonder. Such was the case, when, earlier in June, I hosted a strawberry tea for fourteen senior ladies.
My very, new great-grandchild, Melissa Noelle, came by for an unexpected visit. Seeing a baby, reminds us of the wonders of a new life — so precious, tiny and full of promise.
It truly brought a 'spark of joy' to the eyes of my senior friends. As this great grandma feasted her eyes on the beauty and perfection of the latest addition to our family, I was over-whelmed with the realization that only a mighty God could lovingly create such an intricate, marvel of perfection. How wonderful to realize we are "fashioned by the Father."
"For you created my inmost being (the innermost centre of conscious life), you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
— Psalm 139: 13-14
Another 'surprise blessing' was mine one Saturday morning recently, when a phone call came asking if I wished to accompany my other great granddaughter, Evelyn Jane, for a visit to the Kangaroo Creek Farm Critters in Lake Country, a few miles from Kelowna.
I was delighted to accept, as kangaroos are animals I have always found most fascinating. Visiting there is an incredible experience for both young and old.
First off, at the joey station, we were allowed to take a turn cuddling the wee ones, (babies are called joeys), wrapped in a little blanket — a big hit with all ages.
Throughout the grounds, kangaroos and wallabies jumped about, or lay quietly in the shade. We were given tiny tree branches and allowed to feed the leaves to the animals.
To keep the kangaroos company, the owners, Caroline MacPherson and husband Greg Wightman (often dubbed "Roo Man"), has added other delightful animals and birds; peacocks; emus; parrots; baby goats; pot-bellied pigs; Big-Turk — an ugly but sweet, huge turkey strutting his stuff; Irwin, the albino wallaby, pink with pinkeyes; and the world's largest rodent (capybara), weighing up to 150 pounds.
Imagine the delight of Evie, a not-quite three-year-old, who is learning about all the many treasures of this wonderful world. Eyes that have not seen the world as ours have — so eager to explore! I highly recommend a visit there, "to pet a roo or to hold a joey."
To spend time with my dear, sweet, precious great-granddaughters, was a lovely, unexpected, summertime serendipity.
Children are a special gift from God and we are to treasure them as God intended us to do. They can teach us much.
Children, children, children! Noisy, rowdy, spirited! The whole house rings and echoes with their cries, their shouts of glee, Their sudden bursts of anger, shrieks of pain, convulsive sobbing when they've lost a toy, or argument. And then, what radiant smiles through tears, like rainbows in the rain. Children! Little bursts of energy and naughtiness, And cuddly mites who nestle on your lap and smile and sleep.
— Unknown
— beulah
Soccer enthusiasts have kept their eyes glued to the T.V. screen during the one-month-long, series of games at the 2014 Fifa world Cup, held in Brazil.
As we in Canada, learned from hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic games, the power of sports to unite and inspire can be strong. Patriotism and a deeper love for our country often results.
Germany won the World Cup, defeating Argentina at the Grand Finale, estimating over a billion people were watching.
Earlier in the semi-final games, suffering through a humiliating defeat by Germany, Brazil's eager fans endured a major blow to their pride and enthusiasm.
Even the cute but ugly armadillo, their mascot named "fuleco furor" couldn't save the day!
A news clip showed "Christ the Redeemer" statue, arms outspread, as if reaching across the city, comforting the disappointed and disillusioned fans.
I am told, this statue, one of the tallest of Christ in the world, is atop Corcovado Mountain, over-looking the city of Rio de Janeiro. It stands 30 metres tall, with arms spreading 28 metres, and weighs 635 tons.
It is visible day or night from almost anywhere in the city.
The Bible tells us, Christ is not only the Redeemer of mankind, but is also the Creator of the universe.
Just as the Brazilians are constantly reminded of their Redeemer, I, too, am reminded of my Creator, as I, from my patio, look across to the hills.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
— Psalm 121: 1-2
— beulah
"I heard about some people who were singing for the Lord, so I packed up my car and I got onboard. I headed down the road to old Enderby and the Country Gospel Jamboree."
Occasionally, we find ourselves in that moment,
where we feel we are experiencing something akin to what we imagine heaven might be like.
Such was the case last weekend, as seven of us, Florence, my out-of-town guest and some family members, attended the Southern Gospel Jamboree in Enderby/Grinrod.
What a great way to get — Refreshed, Renewed, Revived!
Though this annual event, "Singin' Good News" is in its seventeenth year, it was my very first. I learned it's a place where "old friends meet and new friends greet." It is located in a lovely, country setting at Birch Meadows Farms, hosted by owners June and Harvey Sawatzkys.
Harvey once enjoyed a medical practice in the Enderby area, and upon retirement began stabling and registering Morgan horses.
The spacious indoor riding arena — transformed into a large stage with sound and music equipment, and lots of seating arrangements — was an excellent facility for the weekend-long concerts. Each year, a variety of musical guests present the Good News of the Gospel in word and song.
It was a treat to hear such talent as Jack Jackson, from Calgary, with his 'genuinely country' style, Garry Jespersen's ability on the saxophone, and the Good News Quartet with their unique harmony of voices. The Freedom Singers' amazing story of their near death experience, when as teenagers, they became stowaways, fleeing from Romania on a ship bound for Canada. They inspired us with a reminder that God is still in control of a world gone mad.
There are still those who are willing to sacrifice their lives, rather than compromise their faith. The Freedom Singers' story of God's miraculous intervention, is told in their book, The Price of Freedom — a great read.
The Keepers of the Faith singing group, (a father and three sons of Samoan heritage), moved from Hawaii with their goal as a travelling ministry, "to make sure what we do and say has changed our hearts first."
Impressed with their sincerity and dedication, they were my favourite.
The Sunday morning church service with Pete Unrau's sermon topic, The Real Gospel Results in Real Life Change, was the icing on the cake!
He reminded us,"God is looking for the real deal," and "God is more concerned in what direction we are going than where we are right now."
For a "singin' good time" and a "great spiritual uplift," I heartily recommend it for next year.
A stop at the Log Barn, Armstrong location, enroute, was an added bonus to our weekend. Much to see and taste: goats walking across a bridge, prehistoric dinosaurs, masses of hanging flower baskets, unique gifts, and a country store filled with Mennonite sausage, cheese, pies, jams and jellies. It was truly a great summer time weekend!
— beulah
What is there about babies that makes us smile? Many stop everything at the sight or sound of a baby, just to gaze at the little wonder. Such was the case, when, earlier in June, I hosted a strawberry tea for fourteen senior ladies. 
