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.
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.
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.
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
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