I've never been in Cognito, but I've been to Red Deer

     

     Once again, my blessings cup has overflowed.  I returned recently from a motor trip to Red Deer — having spent the weekend at Canada's Gospel Music Celebration, (now in its 17th year) — I came away spiritually refreshed.  I experienced moments of joy, laughter, and received messages of hope. 

     Sister Merle and I felt so pleased and somewhat pampered when our sons, Rick and Roger willingly offered to make the trip with us. How great is that! 

     Roger's new truck, a Dodge Ram 1500, was so comfortable and adequate. The sons were excellent escorts to their aging Moms. My friend, Norma, having had a 10 day visit with me just  prior, accompanied us as well. 

     Upon reaching Calgary, Merle and I enjoyed a delicious dinner at Norma's seniors' residence before spending the night at her penthouse-style apartment on the 14th floor. 

     Meanwhile, Rick and Roger joined the locals downtown, becoming a part of the Stampede fever. 

     I thank God for the gift of music. My love for music and harmony music especially, was an important part of my growing-up years. As a teen, my brother and I harmonized and performed many of the great gospel songs that are still sung today. 

     Harmonious gospel music, with its messages of hope and fundamental truths, cannot but encourage the listener to get enthusiastic about living and sharing their faith. 

     This yearly concert series brought together a wide variety of talented musicians to present heartfelt messages. Whether it was the Collingsworth Family, Legacy Five, Penny Loafers or The Ball Brothers, there was a wide genre for all ages to enjoy. 

     How pleasantly surprised I was to realize the Young Street Vocal Band from Chilliwack, B.C., was on the program. Michael, their excellent tenor, was a four-year-old in the pre-school department I was director of in our church in Delta. 

     

     After having learned I was in the audience, he found me during the intermission, thus the accompanying picture. It has been many years since our paths crossed. It did my heart good to realize he is using his musical talent to bless others like myself. What a lovely serendipity that was!  

     Much of the harmony music was familiar to me, but new lyrics caught my attention, such as the following sung by the Collingsworth family. I like the message it gives and find myself singing along as I listen to their CD. It's a great reminder of how to live a satisfying life. 

     "Show a little bit of love and kindness, 

Never go around with hatred's blindness. 

Take a little time to reach for joy and wear a happy face! 

Sing a little bit when the days are dreary, 

Give a little help to a friend that's weary! 

That's the way to make the world a happy place!"  

     With such a variety of up-beat music, I was pleased to see an afternoon program was presented as a "Tribute to Hymns." 

     Many of us, some younger than myself, grew up singing the hymns of faith with messages that have lived in our hearts for many years. There's a nostalgia that rises within, as we hear, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, or It Is Well With My Soul, — two of my favourites. 

     Some believe hymns are from a day long past. A youthful musician, Melissa Brady, has said, "Saying we never need to sing another hymn would be equivalent to forever keeping the Mona Lisa, Van Gough's Starry Night, or the paintings of Norman Rockwell behind closed doors." 

       The world needs the beauty and wisdom of the old hymns.  

     

     Our crew decided to take a morning off from the events, to explore parts of the city. We walked bare-footed on the lush grass at a beautiful, flower-filled park. Later, we checked out the mall, having lunch there. 

     The next day, with an over-night stay in Golden, B.C., we travelled on through the beautiful, majestic mountains and lakes of our great province. It was a perfect ending to a memorable summer trip!      

     As everyone is busy with their summer travel plans, permit me to include the following for your laugh of the day.  

My Inconclusive Travel Plans for 2015  

     I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. 

     I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work. 

     I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. 

     I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older. 

     One of my favourite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! 

     I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.     

     GROANNNNNNNN!!

— beulah

Patio time is back

     

Patio time is back!   

     Many of our local restaurants and bistros take full advantage of the warm months, inviting their customers to immerse themselves in the scents and sounds of summer. 

     It may be on the roof of a building, near a waterfront, or facing a busy street as they add interest to the surroundings with colourful plants and flowers. What better way to begin the day, than by choosing the patio of a local cafe to enjoy the aroma and flavour of that first cup of coffee. 

     Or, enjoying an outdoor meal at the close of the day, in quiet conversation with that special someone, watching the sun cast its lingering rays as a gentle breeze calms the spirit. 

     Patios are a great place any time of day. 

     I am glad Nels and I chose to increase the size of our patio when building our home. Here we have enjoyed many lively conversations with family and friends. 

     I love basking in the early morning sunshine, listening to the chirping of my feathered friends or watching momma quail with her cute, little brood. 

     

     Recently, I have enjoyed hosting my dear, long-time Calgary friend Norma, on her recent visit. 

     Together we watched the stars appear one by one and the full moon make its way across the nighttime sky, marvelling at God's awesome handiwork. 

     

     The pleasures of the great outdoors are always amazing, and observing nature close at hand is food for the soul. 

     Whether enjoying quiet moments alone or hosting a group of senior friends (which I did recently), my colourful patio has brought sheer pleasure. It's a reminder we all should make the most of our summer days with its scents and busy sounds of outdoor life. 

     It's a wonderful memory, when once more we find ourselves witnessing winter's snowfall cover our patio in a lovely blanket of white.

— beulah