Anticipating autumn blessings, a welcomed change of pace

     

     Can you believe the conversations we are overhearing already, such as: “Where has the summer gone?”… and, “There’s already that early morning bite in the air!” 

     But, after a long and lazy summer, most of us welcome a change in pace. 

     I, for one, enjoyed our "not too hot" summer, with a minimum of wildfires occurring throughout the province. 

    Now, we find ourselves looking forward to autumn blessings, as we watch the beautiful, fall colours appear, begin our return to life’s routine, and cozy up in front of the fireplace with family. 

     
     
     School is now in session and excitement abounds as pupils return to greet their special buddies they have missed. 

     I can’t quite fathom that I have lived to see my oldest great grand, Evelyn Jane begin her lifelong school journey, now embracing the joys of Kindergarten. 

     Colleges and universities have rolled out their diverse, fall courses, offered to expand students' knowledge — catering to yet two of my grandkids: Ashton Eagles, attending University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver and Nathan Harvey, enrolled in UBC-Okanagan. 

     Churches as well, are suggesting experiences to help us to stock our pantries with soul food. It's a reminder for me, as I consider just what my own involvement will look like. I am already looking forward to that “first event of our new season” — Thanksgiving. 

   

     What a serendipity to recently enjoy a visit from Laurel Miller and daughter Jennifer. 

     Jen was a student in my Fairyland Preschool so many years ago.

     

     

     Excitement is in the air, as plans are in the making for our large, family gathering — sharing two lodges at Carmel Cove on lovely Shuswap Lake. 

     It's a return for some of us, having spent a week there in August. 

     We will enjoy each other’s company as we savour delicious food, and say aloud — no doubt many times — just how thankful we are for God’s abundant blessings! 

     As the picturesque fall season drifts into our Canadian winter, we look for the bright, sunny days to become fewer. 

     Yet, perhaps we can be thankful we do not reside in Rjukan, Norway. I recently read that due to its location among sheer mountains, and its northern latitude, the folks living in Rjukan do not see natural sunlight from October to March. 

     To lighten up the town, the citizens installed large mirrors on the mountain side to reflect the sunrays and beam sunlight into the town square. 

     

     The continuous glow is made possible because the giant mirrors rotate with the rising and setting sun. Quite ingenious!  

     I would like to think of my life as a similar scenario. 

     Jesus said his followers are, “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14). John, his disciple, reminds us that Jesus is the true light that, “shines in the darkness.” 

     He does that through us, as our light shows love in the face of hatred; patience in response to trouble; and peace in moments of conflict. 

     Without the sun, the large mirrors of Rjukan would have no light to reflect. So, too, our light, to have value, needs the effect His light brings.  

     September always brings to mind another anniversary, that of 9/11 — a sad memory, especially for those who lost loved ones. 

     

     I was privileged to visit the site in 2012, as my sis, Merle and I departed New York City on a cruise ship, touring the New England states and the Maritimes. A day tour of the city found us at Ground Zero. 

     We experienced emotional moments, as we read many of the names etched upon the special memorial wall. 

     

     To hear of the excitement of those participating at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio this month is amazing!  

     Their energy, ability and desire to overcome hardship is so very admirable. 

     

     

     Meanwhile, our own fair province of British Columbia is being honoured with a Royal visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Will and Kate. 

     I hear that one of their stops while visiting our city of Kelowna will be at UBC-Okanagan. 

     My grandson Nathan Harvey just might get a glimpse of the Royal couple. 

     

     Dolly Parton, one of my favourite performers, (I grew up listening to some of her country tunes) will be appearing at Rogers Arena in Vancouver this week; unfortunately, I won’t be there. 

     Turning seventy years-old this year, the oft' referred to, "Queen of Country" still generates much sparkle. 

     

     I believe that behind all of the glittery, glorious, fakery diamonds is “a heart of a diamond” — one who is humble and kindhearted. 

     She tells of getting saved, (hearing God’s voice that came to her from within) — as in those early years she worshipped with her family in a country church in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, with a beat-up piano. 

     

     Parton is quoted as saying, "Even if I knew for a fact that there is no God, I’d still believe, in the hopes that there’s something bigger than we are.” 

     Anything she can’t fix, she says, “she gives up to God.”  

     Such good advice! 

     She says she tries to follow the old adage, “To thine own self be true.” 

     I admire Dolly's homespun wisdom.       

     "Let us be grateful for the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”  

— Marcel Proust

— beulah

Lazy, hazy, dog days

Grandma looks out over the sun setting on Shuswap Lake and her offspring swimming in the pool.

"Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. 

Those days of soda and pretzels and beer. 

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, 

You’ll wish that summer could always be here.”   

— Nat King Cole     

     We are already becoming aware that the lazy, hot, “dog days" of summer are beginning to wane. 

     Life, somehow, always seems brighter when the sun shines. We feel more fun is to be had under blue skies. 

     

Krista Carter toasting a marshmallow.

     Many of us have been joyfully experiencing the most care-free days of the calendar year; splashing in pools, floating on lakes, camping and exploring the out-of-doors, visiting with friends and family members, and sharing summer recipes at barbecue parties on our patios. 

     To those folk who faithfully carried on at their work place, helping to keep our economy alive, we thank you. We hope your free, relaxing times are forthcoming. 

     The arrival of mid-August always brings me a feeling of nostalgia. It’s the time when dedicated teachers begin their preparations to face another year of challenge, teaching and influencing society’s greatest asset — our children. 

     So, I know where my daughter-in-law, Carolyn, spent all of this past week. 

     Privileged to be a part of the lives of so many children in my early years, I am grateful to have passed the torch on to smart, energetic teachers in our “now” generation, like granddaughter, Sarah. May this year be one of your best, Sarah!  

     Remembering some highlights of my summer, I am grateful for: Spending a whole week at the lovely Carmel Cove Resort & Spa at Blind Bay, with seven family members. 

     

     It included my delightful “greatgrands,” Evie, (nearly 5 years old) and talkative Missy (2 years old). 

     

Fun times in the pool.

     Their eagerness and boldness — as they practised their swimming routines that they had been learning in swim classes — was amazing to a Gigi that never learned to swim. 

     They were thrilled when I occasionally joined them. 

   

Karen (left) Beulah and Krista.

      The week-long visit from my Calgary friend Norma, and also my sister Merle, was relaxful and fun. 

     There was much reminiscing of earlier days along with happy chatter, as a few old friends joined us for a luncheon. 

     Whether a coffee time at McDonald’s or breakfast at IHOP, Norma was always pleased and ready! 

     I’m reminded of the fitting saying, “Good friends are like quilts, they age with you, yet never lose their warmth.” 

     Having a surprise three-day visit from Ashton and Brayden, (Roger's children) was a serendipity for Ashton and me! 

     

     University classes and work have occupied much of her summer. 

     What could be more relaxing and fun, but enjoying a game of Skip Bo with family members? 

     I keep reminding myself to “enjoy the little things,” for as someone aptly put it, “one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."  

     In the midst of joy, we are often confronted with unexpected sorrow — such is life. 

     

Nephew, Larry enjoying fishing with Beulah and Merle's sons in August 2010.

     At the close of our lake-side holiday, word came that my dear, nephew Larry, (from Rothesay, N.B.) passed to his eternal home while undergoing major heart surgery. 

     

Larry (left) Beulah and sister Merle.

     

     His big heart, always overflowing with love for his family and fellow-man, will be greatly missed!  

     

Beulah enjoying her crossword puzzles.

     With the excitement of the Summer Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, the attention of the world was on the “world,” watching and cheering their favourite athletes as they competed in various sports events. 

     What a spectacle, as we watched the parade of nations at the opening ceremony! 

     In spite of the word “corruption” raising its ugly head once more, we were not disappointed with our Canadian athletes and their accomplishments. 

     Canada’s flag bearer, Penny Oleksiak and Andrea De Grasse, both appearing as excellent role models, had no trouble winning my affection and no doubt the pride of all Canadians. 

     Have you ever wondered how much gold is actually in a gold medal? Not much. I learned the overall weight of the medal is 531 grams, but only 6 grams are really gold.

     Sometimes we can be disappointed with all that glitters around us here, but we’re told the gold in heaven will be the “real thing” — pure, solid and priceless. (Revelation 21:21) says of heaven, “…the great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.” Wow! 

     Few of us will ever display an Olympic medal on our mantels, but God has promised us eternal rewards for our faithfulness in sharing the Gospel message that really counts for gold — the golden hope of heaven.     

     

Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?  

     “The new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no one answered his repeated knocks. 

     He wrote Revelation 3:20 on a card and stuck it in the door. When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. 

     Added to it was this cryptic message, Genesis 3;10. Checking his Bible, he broke up in gales of laughter. 

     Revelation 3:20 reads, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Genesis 3:10 reads, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, for I was naked.”   

— beulah