My bucket, full of love

     

     Many of us have a so-called bucket list of special places we would like to visit or exciting adventures we want to experience before we leave this planet. 
     

     One I am about to have has never been on my bucket list. But, with my pending surgery, I am about to have my first ever hospital stay — with the exception of the four occasions of bringing my children into the world. 

     With no major health issues during my life time, I have been blessed.   

     I am looking forward to my brief stay, as somewhat of a new adventure — one that will give me better insight into our health system my tax dollars go to support. 

     During my numerous procedures and pre-surgery appointments, I have met many kind and compassionate health-care workers. I hope to see ways that I can show them my appreciation and perhaps, "scatter a few seeds of love" as well. 

     Though I appreciate all that our health system provides in care, we often are required to play the waiting game. During weeks of biding my time, my good friend Gladys sent me this reminder: 

"Sit still my child, Just sit calmly still. Nor deem these waiting days as ill. The One who loves you most has not forgotten your great need today. And, if He waits, believe He waits to prove to you His tender child, His heart's deep love."  

     Meanwhile, I have been showered with love and attention, not only from my offsprings, but through phone calls and Facebook well-wishers — friends and family, near and far — especially, son Roger's calls of concern.     

     

     Karen and Jamie's home-cooked meals have helped bring back some of the weight I've lost. 

     





     

     I've been blessed by David's consistent weekend trips from Kamloops and his creative ways in giving my home a new, post-Christmas look.

     

     Debi, Mark and Jamie have kindly driven me to my numerous medical appointments — all leaving me feeling so very grateful.  

     During all this busyness, we found time to celebrate yet another birthday for Dave — and his wife Carolyn's birthday this coming Friday (Jan. 30).

     

     Very soon, we are anticipating Debi's Groundhog Day celebration. My own, is following soon after during the B.C. Family Day holiday weekend. 

     It gives our family yet another excuse to rejoice together and be thankful.  

     Now, what ever time I have been given, I believe I am called, not to spend it worrying, but to trust — which always brings peace — and to focus on loving those around me.  

     I feel a bit like King David, when, during one of his fearful encounters said, "You are my God, my future is in Your hands."  –- Psalm 31:14-15  
       

     The advice that God gave Joshua, so long ago, seems to be just what I need now, as I carry on my journey. 




"[. . . ] Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  — Joshua 1:9




— beulah

My prayer for this new year

     

     You, who follow my blogs, have no doubt noticed I have had a short hiatus from my writing. Though not of my choosing, I will briefly explain. 
     Greeting the new year of 2015, I look back to the "year that was," overwhelmed with a heart of gratitude. 

     The year began with much excitement, as my daughters and I began planning our two week, early August, Maritime tour. It was even more delightful than we could ever have imagined! 

     With nostalgic moments, I celebrated my last grandchild, Ashton Brooke's graduation from high school. 

     Then, I watched as Sarah Jean, my second oldest granddaughter, graduate with her teaching credentials — proud, that she is carrying on our family tradition. The exciting news of her engagement to Tyler, with an August, 2015 wedding in the offing, reached us during our travels. 

     What a blessing to have lived long enough to enjoy great-grandchildren! Sweet, little Melissa Noelle, sister for Evelyn Jane, entered our family in June. Visits from out-of-town friends and relatives throughout the year, taking part in anniversary and birthday celebrations of many of my aging friends, all helped me realize the preciousness of life itself.  

     Being once more able to participate in pre-Christmas activities — Scrooge and Tiny Tim breakfasts, volunteering for the Salvation Army kettles, and hosting senior activities, I felt indeed blessed for such opportunities. 

     Though December saw me with decreasing blood levels, thus low energy, meanwhile participating in on-going medical tests, I felt I was ready for Christmas. I was grateful to that "Someone" who saw to that. 

     Usually, I have considered myself very fortunate health-wise. With an abundance of energy and no major health issues throughout my lifetime — now, for my family to receive news the day prior to Christmas, hearing that "C" word no one ever wants to hear, was, well... a "shocker!"  

     Now as I await surgery, I find myself repeating one of my sayings, "Well, it could be a lot worse!" I realize ours is one of the many families dealing with similar situations, even at present, with other relatives of mine as well.  

     My prayer for this New Year is, that I, and those going through like trials, will tap into His power Source, as we boldly share Jesus, that came to us those many Christmases ago, Who is now our Helper, Comforter and Best Friend.   

     Go with God, and let this be your best year yet. Blessings in 2015.

— beulah