The gift of snow

     

     Dreaming of a white Christmas certainly came true this year for us, here in my home-town, Kelowna. 

     Just now, gazing out my kitchen window to the snow-laden shrubs and trees surrounding my patio, I am amazed at the majestic beauty right here before my eyes. 

     Approaching Christmas each year, I often have mixed emotions about the weather. To be with me, some of my family need to travel over miles of mountainous terrain. So usually I feel we could just do without the white stuff. 

     

     This year, after family had safely arrived, we were blessed with this lovely gift of white. 

     Storms often become an unwanted problem especially for travellers. I heard on the news of air flights being cancelled, which is so disappointing for those trying to reach home in time for Christmas. 

     We know snow has varied purposes. The snow-capped mountains help to irrigate the valleys below. It also reassures us that our drinking water levels we depend upon, won't be lacking in the summer months. 

     Admiring these pristine snow piles reminds me of the "gift of forgiveness" I receive from my Heavenly Father when I ask Him. 

     King David prayed, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow."  

— Psalm 51:1 

     Wow! I am thankful for the gift of snow and for forgiveness. 

     Speaking of gifts, my family once again spoiled me with their gifts of love. Our giving and receiving gifts at Christmas, reminds us of the Magi who came to the baby Jesus, each bringing their worthy gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

     I learned that frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus. 

     Gold was associated with kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. 

     Myrrh was a sweet-smelling perfume that was put on dead bodies. As a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die. 

     

     I appreciate each gift I receive. The time, effort, thought, and perhaps sacrifice that goes into each gift — to me, spells "LOVE."

     Sharing tangible gifts with each other, certainly does remind us of Jesus, the best gift of all! 

     Today, some of my family made their return trip home over those snowy mountains. I already miss them, but am grateful they made it safely home during this  awesome, but beautiful, Season of White.   

     I like to think, that when Jesus forgives me, my heart is as clean as new fallen snow.


— beulah

Sharing Christmas

     

     "I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents 'round the tree..." 

— recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943

     This popular Christmas song never fails to fill me with nostalgic moments each time I hear it, bringing memories of past Christmases spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to go home. Then, there are others out there that don't even have a home to go to, much less a caring family. 

     While much joy and revelry surround the celebration, there is also much sadness lurking around the corner. 

     

     At Christmas all hearts turn towards home and family.  A group of college students was asked, "How many of you are planning to go home for the holidays?" Almost every hand went up. "Why?" they were asked, "Why do you want to go home?" The answers: "That's where I have a sense of belonging."  "My family accepts me for who I am."  One just wept and said, "That's where the deepest feelings of my heart and soul are. I am them, and they are me."  

     Thank God for families! I think we are often called upon to be "the family" for others who have none, or are a long way from theirs.  

     

I still recall Nel's remembering the pain and loneliness he felt that Christmas day, spending it all alone in his one-room boarding house. 

     Out west, as a young man serving in the air force, and later attending theological school and pastoring churches, he was miles from his maritime family. 

     No one thought to even ask him to a Christmas dinner! This left a lasting impression on Nels, so throughout the years I would often hear him say, "Let's ask if they have anyone to share Christmas with?" 

     He was always ready to extend to others that warm, friendly touch. We seemed to have an unwritten rule over the years, that "no one was to spend Christmas day alone, if we knew about it." 

     I am still trying to have an open heart open home, and am always pleased when there are extra feet under my table. 

     Christmas is many things to many people — parties, new clothes, special baking, beautiful, glittering decorations inside and outside of homes, listening to and singing the timeless carols, getting in touch with old friends, and attending at least one Christmas service at church. 

     But, many of us know it is, oh so much more!  These can make it enjoyable, but the thoughts expressed in the following prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson is really the crux of it all.  

  

   

     

     "Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels — the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. 

     Close the door of hate, and open doors of love, all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift, and good desires with every greeting. 

     Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. 

     May Christmas morning make us happy to be your children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful hearts.  In Jesus name. Amen."

— beulah

Telling others the true story of Christmas

     

     I was reminded recently, that 50 years ago, A Charlie Brown Christmas was first broadcasted on American television. 

     Some network executives worried that quoting the Bible would offend viewers. The creator Charles Schulz, was encouraged by some to omit the Christmas story, but Schulz insisted it stay in. 

     We know the program was an immediate success and its  viewing is still a much-anticipated event every Christmas since 1965. 

     I think many of us feel like the character Charlie Brown each time this beautiful, holy season rolls around. 

     Charlie Brown — as director of the children's Christmas play — was frustrated and discouraged by the commercial spirit he saw everywhere. It sounds like something we are experiencing in 2015. 

     

     He asks if anyone could tell him the real meaning of Christmas. Linus then recites Luke 2:8-14, straight from the Bible text, adding, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."  

     I hear people talk about "getting into the Christmas spirit." What exactly does that mean? 
     The popular concept seems to be —  "it's inside us." We just have to "get it." 

     So, does that happen when we start decorating, playing Christmas music or go gift-shopping? Does it mean out-dazzling our neighbours with a bigger outdoor display?  I believe it's a deep-seated joy in knowing that the story of the Christ Child coming that first Christmas morn, is gloriously true! Not a myth, but a firm historical event. 

     Many will celebrate Christmas this year, exchange gifts and experience lots of excitement, but never connect the celebration with the reason for the season. 

     Someone once likened it to people at a wedding reception who celebrate enthusiastically, but don't even know the bride and groom. I believe here lies the difference between those who really have the Christmas spirit and those who don't. 

     For those who have it, if all the lights, glitter, music and presents were removed, their joy would still be intact! That's because they've come to personally know the Christ who was born in that manger. 

     The angel of the Lord said to Joseph, "He will save His people from their sins." Unless we understand that, Christmas will not be much more than a sentimental occasion for a celebration. 

     Jesus gave us the perfect gift, Himself, as our sin substitute. 

     So, what can we give Him in return as we celebrate His birthday?  

     I'm often reminded that everything I have comes from God, so the only thing I have to give is something God has already given me. He is the Giver of Life. 

     I am still in awe that God chose to extend the gift of life for me, here on earth, by bringing me successfully through my cancer journey, this time last year. I've thought much about it and I realize a rich life is full of many acts of kindness. 

     

     This season I have once more enjoyed helping man the Salvation Army kettles. 

     On several occasions, I have hosted my senior friends in my home, as we keep on encouraging each other on our journey. 

     Collecting toys for the local food bank hampers has been a joy for us ladies, as we visited and toured the amazing facility. It was most interesting and a real eye-opener as to the amazing help they give to many within our community.  

     I believe, that whether I am driving my neighbour to the doctor or the eye specialist, or buying groceries for her, visiting a sick neighbour in the hospital, contributing to the Tiny Tim toy breakfast, or taking my home-made muffins to Terry, (my shut-in friend) I am demonstrating my Heavenly Father's love. 

     I think I hear Him say, "... whatever you do for others, you do for me." (paraphrased).  

     

     These acts of kindness are carried out by others also, not only at Christmas, but all year throughout our world. It is truly sharing the message of love He came to bring us that first Christmas. 

     Someone accurately stated, "The real issue in life is not how many blessings we have, but what we do with our blessings. Some people have many and hoard them. Some have few and give them away."   

     Let's all see how many lives we can bless this Christmas Season! 

     And oh, yes, never stop telling others the "true" story of Christmas.


— beulah

A lovely beginning to our Advent season

      

     "Do not fret because of those who are evil."  

— Psalm 37:1    

     Since my last writing, we have all been vividly reminded of the evil, so rampant in our world today. The mid-November series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris — at cafes, restaurants, a music venue and at the Bataclan Theatre, reminds us again, we are living in perilous times. 

     How do we live in the face of such evil? We could choose to give up, hide and live our lives in fear, but it is then that we must remember that God is still on His throne and still in control. 

     "... For You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth." (Isaiah 37:16) 

     There is a kingdom of evil and the kingdom of God. He has planted seeds of His kingdom in the hearts of His people throughout our world. 

     Though for a time, evil abounds, eventually, at our Lord's timing — "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) 

     This includes those present day evil doers. Trust, being the antidote for an anxious heart, more than ever, I think we are called upon to show the essence of our faith. We trust in our Sovereign God while living in a troubled world. 

     Last Sunday was the beginning of Advent — a Latin word — adventus, meaning "coming" — the holiday season when we honour Jesus. 

     It originated in Germany in the late 19th Century. We focus our minds on the coming of Christ that first Christmas, the coming of Christ in our lives today, and His second coming at the end of time. 

     The advent wreath is a circle of evergreen plants symbolizing God's never changing nature. Within its circle are four candles, one to be lit each of the four Sundays in December. 

     The first candle represents Hope, the second Preparation, the third Joy, and the fourth Love. We need "Hope," reminding us that, "the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27)

     As we remember... His birth was for his death, and His death was for our birth — "He... who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)  

     Jesus said his followers are the light of the world. It is our duty then to reflect our light into the darkness around us. We must show love love in the face of hatred, patience in response to trouble, and peace in moments of conflict. 

     Our light is a reflection of Jesus the Son, the very one that came as a babe that first Christmas.   

     We had a lovely beginning to our Advent season last Sunday evening after our dinner. 

          Karen, having prepared the wreath with its candles, we lit the first one representing Hope. 

     

Ann Voskamp

     We then listened to thoughts of Advent on a YouTube video by Ann Voskamp, one of Karen's favourite inspirational authors and blogger. 



     We followed with quiet moments of prayer. You may wish to check in on her website.



— beulah

Taking inventory, a look back at the year

     

     Entering this month of November, I found myself recalling my surprised and eventful cancer journey that began exactly one year ago this month. 

     The miraculous, speedy and complete healing I experienced from a "highly aggressive, invasive, adenocarcinoma type of cancer, still leaves me in complete awe! 

     The perfect timing, fast co-operation of the doctors and the surgeon involved, (having learned there was no need of follow-up treatments) — I attribute to the many prayers of my concerned family and friends. 

     For some reason, known only to the Great Physician and Healer, He chose to heal this child of His and extend her days on earth. 
  

     Looking back, I am glad for the experience, as it has helped me to take inventory of my life. Each new day is very precious which I try not to take for granted. 

     Continuing on through this journey called life, we never know what new experience may be awaiting us, just around the corner. 

     This November finds me facing the fact that my "aging ears" need a little help. In all fairness to my family especially, I went for a hearing test that I have been "putting on the back burner," as I tried to convince myself there was no need.  

     Now, I am sporting small, silver grey, latest technology, unobtrusive hearing "gadgets," designed to make my world, better for me and my family. 

     It will soon be known if shrinking my bank account was worth it. 

     Entering the world of many, young and old, in similar situations, I will now be more sympathetic as the following poem reminds us.    

     A Prayer For One Who Is Going Deaf    

O God, 
  
     The trouble about going deaf is that most people find deaf folks a nuisance. They sympathize with people who are blind and lame, but they get irritated and annoyed with people who are deaf. 

     And the result of this, is that people who are deaf are apt to avoid company, and get more and more shut-in. 

     Help me now that my hearing has begun to go. Help me face the situation and realize that there is no good way to hide it. Trying will only make matters worse. 

     Help me to be grateful for all that can be done for people like me. If I have to wear a hearing aid, help me to do so naturally, and not be embarrassed. 

     Give me the perseverance not to let this trouble get me down. Don't let it cut me off from others. 

     And help me to remember, Lord, whatever happens, nothing can stop me from hearing Your voice.    

— William Barclay

— beulah

Waiting in the land between

 

     "Waiting in the Land Between"     

     On a recent Sunday at my church, Pastor Tim's sermon bore the above title, which immediately captured my attention. 

     How many times throughout our life's journey have we felt we were "waiting in the land between," where we already were, and where we hoped to be someday? 

     Perhaps, waiting to be hired for that specially desired job; waiting months for a new baby to enter our family; waiting for the results of a medical test; or a much-needed operation; or waiting for that person of your dreams to become your life's mate. 

     I believe how we live and what we do meanwhile "in the land between" will determine the quality of our day-to-day existence. It will also have an affect on those around us. 

     Pastor Tim likened such experiences to the children of Israel.  After being miraculously delivered from King Pharaoh's beastly control, their lack of perspective and short memory soon took over. Instead of showing gratefulness and worship to the God who had freed them from such horrible bondage, complaints began about their hardships, boredom with the food, (the daily miracle of manna and quail), and they began wishing they had died in Egypt. 

     So, because of their lack of faith and ungrateful attitudes towards God's goodness, their generation would never get to see "the land flowing with milk and honey." 

     They missed out on God's best for them and so, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  

     I wonder if there aren't times when we find ourselves wandering aimlessly in our own wilderness, having lost our compass and sense of direction we thought we once had. 

     We, too, become impatient with our situation, begin to whine, feel sorry for ourselves and our present circumstances, and perhaps blame God for not showing up or caring. Like the Israelites, we fail the memory test, entirely! We forget the abundant provisions of the past when life was good. Yet, some of life's important discoveries could be realized while "in the land between," if we trusted more fully in the One who really knows what is best for us. 

     Few of us will escape the storms of life that will inevitably come our way, in one form or another. But, just as a good earthly father shows his love by walking beside and guiding his child, so our Heavenly Father also reminds us, "... I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  — Isaiah 41:10 

     Many times, "I forget to remember!"  

     

     But, He forgives me, picks me up and sets me on the right path again, and says, "Do better now my child!  Trust ME."


— beulah

Giving thanks, 10,000 reasons

     

      "Bless the Lord, O my soul, Oh my soul. Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, Oh my soul, I'll worship your holy name. You're rich in love and you're slow to anger, you're name is great and your heart is kind. For all your goodness I will keep on singing, Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find."  

— Matt Redman    

     

     Sixteen family members and friends gathered around my thanksgiving table last weekend. 

     

     The turkey, ham and complimentary dishes were ready and awaiting us, as we all assembled in the family room to raise our voices in a YouTube medley of thanksgiving hymns. 

     

     Dave, my eldest son, (taking his Dad's usual place), led us in a prayer of thanks and a blessing on our food.

     The combined efforts of the various family members, made our laden table a blessing to behold.  

     

     Earlier, as guests arrived, each were asked to take a paper leaf from our thanksgiving tree and write on it one thing they were thankful for. 

Oldest daughter Karen (left) next-door neighbour Barbara and Beulah.

     

     Pausing, after our main courses, we shared the scripture verse of thanks that was already on our leaf, and our own special blessing we had written. 

     

     After recounting some of God's blessings, singing the above beautiful refrain of Matt Redman's, it seemed very meaningful to us. 

     

     Colossians 3: 15-16 exhorts us to "... let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... and be thankful,... as you admonish one another with all wisdom... and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."  

     We did just that!  

     

Beulah's older sister Merle (left), her son Richard, Tyler and Sarah Letourneau (son-in-law and daughter of Dave Eagles).

     

Beulah's next-door neighbour Barbara (left) and grandson Brayden (right).

     When it was my turn to share, I chose to offer us a moment of reflection, as I read from Hebrews 12:1-3. 

     



     
    
     
     "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... Consider him... so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  

     

From left: Carolyn Eagles, her mother Marian Owens, Derek and Marjorie Harvey, Karen Osborne and Merle Robertson.

     Thanksgiving weekend is the time our family remembers the last one we had with Nels — now eight years since his passing. 

     For a few quiet and solemn moments, our memories took us back over the past years and months, as we mentioned the passing of so many of our family and friends. We felt this verse reminded us that they were "heroes of the faith" and inspiring examples for us, as we continue with perseverance 
"our race marked out for us... so that we will not grow weary and lose heart."  

     

     To honour Nels' memory, I shared a story entitled, Next Time We Meet. It was a treatise written by grandson, Nathan, as an English assignment in his Grade 10 year, shortly after his Grandpa Nels' passing.  

     Here are a few of his thoughts.  

     

     "We really don't realize how accustomed we get to having people around, until all of a sudden they're gone, and our eyes are opened to all the wonderful things they've done for their family." 

     "When my grandpa passed away, I never would have thought that one person could have so much love and care inside of them."... at that moment, all the memories I had of him, rushed through my mind... eight years old and planting flowers with him in the backyard — he'd dig the hole and I'd put the flower in and pat the dirt in around it... He would be the only one that would take your cup at the dinner table and hide it, seeing if you would notice... stories were told of how he made such a lasting impression on people when he met them — how people could see God in his eyes... I found all these things to be true... grandpa loved everyone he was around so much." 

     "He's gone and it's hard to accept, but he still lives on through me and my actions... All I want is that other people can see his love and faith when they look at me. I love you, grandpa, and I can't wait 'till the next time we see each other." 

     

     These thoughts remind us of the importance of how we live our lives daily, before others, and our influence, especially on the younger generation following us.  
     Nathan, those desired characteristics are becoming increasingly obvious in your life. Grandpa would be so proud of the young man you have become!

— beulah

Teaching, a work of heart

Sarah Letourneau (left), Beulah Eagles, Karen Osborne and Merle Robertson.

     "Teachers are the torchbearers of humanity, showing the way forward to the leaders and innovators of tomorrow."   

     

     "School days, school days, dear old golden rule days. 

'Readin and Writin' and 'Rithmetic,

Taught to the tune of a hickory stick."

"You were my queen in calico, 

I was your bashful, barefoot beau. 

You wrote on my slate, 'I love you Joe,'

When we were a couple of kids." 

     
     Reminiscent of our school days in a bygone era, my sister Merle and I shared some nostalgic moments as we sang this little ditty. 

     Recently, we presented a program we called School Daze at a weekly, community drop-in for seniors. 

     We recalled stories of how we had to walk several miles together, enduring all kinds of weather, to arrive at our one-room, country school. Just one teacher back then, teaching eight grades. 

     

     At the beginning of my own teaching career I found myself in a very similar rural setting. 

     As my sister Merle questioned me of those early days teaching, I re-told my experiences in those early classrooms. 

     It was extremely challenging first year: one classroom, 38 pupils scattered amongst eight grades; some pupils were taller than me and nearly as old; outdoor bathroom facilities, (we called them biffys); and the challenge of keeping a pot-bellied stove stoked, for warmth. 

     

     Thankfully, as time went on, the modest country schools became a thing of the past, as regional schools were built with children bussed from various districts. 

     During our presentation, we were delighted to be able to include two visiting teachers as a part of our program. 

          None other than my daughter Karen — who recently retired from a long career with Kelowna Christian School — and my granddaughter Sarah, who is a beginning her teaching career with the public schools in Kelowna. 

     Choosing teaching as a profession, seems to run in our family.  

     I am proud of Sarah, carrying on this family tradition. It was a likely choice, having followed in her mother's and both her grandmother's career footsteps. 

     

     Sarah briefly shared with our group of elders, that her initial plan was to find work in the field of sports therapy, after receiving her Bachelor of Kinesiology degree. 

     Yet, it seemed God had other plans for Sarah. 

     The satisfaction and joy Sarah experienced from her involvement in educational activities, such as: teaching Sunday School, directing youth at summer camps and her varied sporting interest, redirected Sarah's thoughts about her career. And so, she found herself pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. 
     
     After last year's busy schedule as a substitute teacher in Kamloops, I've no doubt Sarah will soon be a much sought-after teacher-on-call within our Kelowna schools. 

     I'm proud to pass the torch on to Sarah, who has already shown herself to be a teacher with heart — one whose creativity, organizational skills and passion, will make a difference in our world. 

     Children learn what they live, so looking back I am not surprised that both my daughter Karen, (and later her own daughter Krista) became a part of our family's "teacher gene pool." 

     The life of a teacher is a busy one, full of endless lists of important details. 

     As a young woman starting out in the world, Karen helped out in the classroom of her teacher/mom's household. The initial experience made the idea of choosing teaching for a career, unattractive to Karen. 

     
     But once she began volunteering to work with children, it took no time at all for the teacher bug to bite her. Karen pursued her education, receiving her teaching qualifications to begin a life-long career.

          Here are a few excerpts from Karen's talk, she shared with the group of seniors.

     "It's been said that, 'teaching is a work of heart' and as a just-retired teacher of 30 years, I can certainly attest to this fact. I have no doubt that God had me pegged for this profession from the very beginning.

     He used my early experiences with children, the mentorship of my teacher-mom, and even some of my personal struggles to form in me a heart for learning that would, over the years, inspire and give impetus to my teaching. 

     Being a part of the Kelowna Christian School community was a wonderful, wonderful gift that enlarged my heart over the past 28 years. I thank God for the privilege I had of being able to study and memorize God's Word with students in the classroom; for vibrant chapels as we worshipped together; for prayer times with students, colleagues and parents; for our school motto, "God First, Other Second, Me Third;" and for the variety of hands-on mission projects each grade was involved in; for the challenge and joy of integrating life, learning and faith on into the 21st century.
     


     Lastly, Karen challenged us seniors to regularly pray for teachers within our communities — that they will seek God's wisdom in their many responsibilities and decisions; that they would have the inspiration to teach with "heart" and foster compassionate classrooms, where all students are respected and helped to work towards their potential. 

     Karen reminded us that we are all teachers in our relationships as parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings, friends — no matter what our age or stage, we all have gifts we can share as we impact others by the positive, helpful way in which we live. 

     

     Then, our lives will truly be a work of heart. Therefore, Karen, welcome to a new phase of your life! 

     No longer will you associate numbers with grades, bells with classes and a marker pen with a whiteboard. We know you will never cease to impart your wisdom and important lessons of life to those children around you. Your grandkids will now the focus of all your love and attention.
    

"To teach, is to touch a life forever."

This beautiful, handmade quilt, lovingly created by Mrs. O's class, together with Mrs. Melody Campbell, (parent and former student) was presented to Karen on her final day of teaching.

      

     The words the children chose to write on the quilt, describing their teacher... "encouraging, kind, patient, generous, welcoming, cheerful," are golden strands we all can weave into the fabric of our lives.   

Life is a work of heart.
  










— beulah