Sharing the joy of a white Christmas

     

     “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” 

— Kahil Gibran  

     Our recent snowfall has brought a beautiful winter wonderland to Glenmeadows. And, it is the Season that we see an extra dose of kindness being spread around. 

     How our great, big, wonderful world can do with that. Many societies, companies and individuals have been collecting and providing hampers for the many needs surrounding us. As we help those, who for various reasons are a little less fortunate than ourselves, Jesus’ true spirit of love and giving shines forth. 

     As the countdown is on, and only “a few more sleeps” until the big day, many will be feeling stressed. We each find our own ways of celebrating this event called Christmas. 

     It’s been said, "we are a shop-'til-we-drop nation.” I often find myself cramming too much into my daily schedule, not always recognizing or respecting my limits. 

     But then, who wants to miss out on the delicious dinners and Christmas events happening in our community? 

     

     Or, the lovely Irving Berlin’s, White Christmas musical I recently attended at one of our local theatres. Throughout all of our at times, crazy busyness, it might be wise for us to consider how we are relating to those around us — especially our families, but also, that tired cashier at the grocery store. 

     Someone wisely said, “We have not fulfilled our duty to others until we have learned to be pleasant.” 

     Also, a calm, unruffled silence is often the most eloquent response to unkind words. It just might be wise for us to remember, as we gather with groups of family members or friends. You’ve heard the saying, maybe even from your mother. . . "be sure your sin will find you out.” 

     

     Actually, it’s in the Bible — found in Numbers 32:23.  

     Daily the media continues to expose those accused of sexual assault or harassment, abusing their position or taking advantage of their roles. Recently, a breach of ethical standards by our sitting prime minister — breaking multiple rules — is beginning to shake our confidence in government officials who misuse their offices. 

     Even the bread industry’s wide, price-fixing scandal to unjustly increase their profits, has recently been revealed. 

     What has happened to the integrity and truth we believed our powerful leaders would show in their leadership of our great country? There seems to be a flagrant disregard for truth and decency. Though many caught in the act say they just made a mistake, my Bible calls it “SIN” — a word we don’t hear used very often nowadays — sometimes, not even from the pulpits throughout our lands. 

     My dictionary explains it thus — “the breaking of divine or moral law, especially by a conscious act," or, "an action regarded as a serious offence or fault.”  

     

     Sin grieves God. In the Bible, Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”  Christ-followers celebrate the birth of a Saviour, because as the angel said to Joseph, “He will save His people from their sins,” and they know they are the sinners He came to save.   

Have a Blessed Christmas everyone!

— Beulah

Christmas: a season to renew friendships

     

     Christmas is in the air!

     The words of beautiful carols keep drifting through my mind.

     I've just returned from a weekly seniors’ luncheon where we were entertained by a choir of seniors from a nearby church. I was especially pleased to hear them perform, as I sang in this same choir a few short years ago. 

     As the words and music of the lovely Christmas carols began to fill my mind, thoughts came, reminding me of Christ’s marvellous entrance into the world that first Christmas. 

     As I approach the Season, I find myself struggling to know how to properly celebrate this beautiful event. 

     Looking beyond the familiar trappings around me that try to portray Christmas, I long to experience its true spirit — the spirit that decorates our hearts the way lights decorate a barren tree. 

     “This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)

     

     Imagine! The eternal, omnipotent, (absolute power) omniscient, (all knowing), omnipresent, (present everywhere at the same time) all-righteous, all-holy, too glorious to look upon — God, was… "laying in a feed trough — a filthy stable. 

     Sounds almost like a myth, but it is fact. 

     When I find it difficult to have a proper Christmas spirit, I need to think about His humbleness and love from that lowly manger — showing me there is nothing He wouldn’t do to bring me into a relationship with Him. 

     A beautiful thought — Immanuel, God with us. Praise God! I am no longer alone! His Spirit is with me and in me. 

     

     Again this year, I am already enjoying the several hours I spend each week helping to man the Salvation Army kettles. 

     Fascinated with the interesting folk I meet and their comments, many pause with a word of thanks for this smiling, friendly, white-haired grannie doing her part to help the less-fortunate. I even think it inspires some of them to feel the urge to help as well, as they toss something into the pot. 

     One gentleman faced me, looked me in the eyes and said, “You are truly a beautiful angel!” (Ha!). 

   

A photo of Norma and I during our travels in earlier years.

     I’ve been recovering this week from a visit with my good friend Norma in Calgary. What a lovely week we shared, renewing our bond of friendship and recalling our many shared escapades since we first met 25 years ago. 

     I say "I’m recovering" as keeping pace with Norma, (soon to be 94 years young) is not exactly an easy task. 

     

Boardwalk Seniors Residence, Calgary, Alta.

I was treated royally at the Boardwalk Seniors Residence where she lives. 

     Norma really enjoyed introducing me to all the staff and many of the residents. She seemed to know most of them, having lived there over five years already. 

     The twice daily, scrumptious meals, the warm and inviting atmosphere, a cozy fireplace in the dining area and entertainment room, active programs, all help the many residents feel it is truly their home. 

     A scenic bus tour of the city, two movie nights, an old-fashioned hymn sing, a night of musical oldies, a visit to a Christmas pageant already, all of which, provide plenty of choices to keep the residents active. 

     

Seniors enjoying conversation together at Boardwalk Seniors Residence in Calgary. Boardwalk file photo.

     
     Norma had me involved in several of the above, as well as the privilege of attending her church and her mid-week ladies’ Bible study. 

     Never a dull moment to be sure. It was quite an eye-opening experience for me. 

     Another bonus for me, was a chance to renew friendships with Jerry and Helen, my brother and sister in the Lord. I met this lovely couple here in Kelowna in April of this year. They graciously travelled across town to greet me. 

     At a nearby restaurant, our time over lunch saw us sharing about how God has blessed our lives since we were last together. 

     Back to Kelowna; the interior of my home has been decorated for Christmas  earlier this past November. My elves, Mark and Debi (who do the decorating), are now holidaying in sunny Mexico. 

     On my return trip from Calgary, Karen and James had decorated the outside of the my home. "Why am I so blessed?"  

     Now, I’m excited about my upcoming weekend visit with my Kamloops family — Dave, Carolyn and Marian.   

     Something to think about — Let’s remember, 

“Your days are numbered. 
Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. 
If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.”  

— Marcus Aurelius  

— beulah

Lest we forget

Lest we forget…    

     Once again, reaching another Remembrance Day — we pause to remember. 

     With gratefulness, we think of those many veterans from all the wars who willingly served. The many that did not return from the conflicts, we honour their memory. 

     Many fought valiantly as proud Canadians. It is difficult to even try to imagine the months of agony that those who became prisoners of war (POWs) endured, with nothing to sustain them but hope. 

       How they must have struggled to keep their perspective as they awaited help! 

     We’re told, one million Canadians served during World War II; now only 15,000 veterans remain. 

     Though 18 was the eligible age for enlistment, young men and women eager to serve found a way into the different forces. 

     Many kids enlisted shortly after their schoolyard days and never returned. 

     Veterans Affairs has said that in 1941 and 1942 more than 50,000 women donned a uniform of some branch of the armed forces. They helped the allied forces win the war. 

     Many of our Canadian Forces still dedicate themselves every day to the service of our great nation, knowing they are undertaking risk and sacrifice. 

     

     On November 6, we celebrated 150 years since the first sitting of the Parliament of Canada. 

     We are so fortunate to live in a country where freedom, democracy and the rule of law prevails. How grateful we are to have a say in who we appoint as our leaders. 

     Meanwhile, we expect honesty and proper diligence to be forthcoming. Our laws we presently have in place should be honoured and the values we still hold dear, treasured. 

     I have wondered why the people from Trudeau’s government do not welcome the proposed idea of having immigrants to this country subscribe to a set of our Canadian values. 


     We all need to be reminded of these values from time to time as we appreciate living in this free, wonderful country. 

     I grew up being taught a deep respect for government leaders and to understand the need for the rule of law. 

  
     The focus that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms brought about by the elder Trudeau, can be misused when individual groups feel they need to assert their rights. 

     Today, our streets are often crowded with one group or another, standing up for a cause or demanding their rights, often rightfully so, exerting their influence to be heard. 

     Though we all were created equal and deserve fair treatment, I feel some may occasionally take their concerns a little too far — all in the name of freedom of speech. 

     

     Though too young to take an active role in the war effort, I was very much a part of the shared concern, as dark clouds of fear and gloom hovered over our community and my family, so many years ago. 

     As we listened to the radio that September of 1939, bring news of “a now full-fledged world war,” even I knew life was about to change, ushering in a fearful future. 

     

     

      My Dad did his part by going to Goose Bay, Labrador, to help build an airstrip related to the war cause. 

     

     
     
     
     At that time, North America was just coming out of an economic depression called the Dirty Thirties. 

     Young men began enlisting in the cause, many before receiving their summons to join. 

     

     I later learned Nels was one of them who received his in the mail the very day he willingly joined the RCAF. 

     After receiving training at St. Thomas, Ont., Nels was posted to the RCAF base in Patricia Bay, just outside of Victoria B.C. 

     

     

     His military service with the 149 Squadron involved serving as an aeronautics electrician on the Link Trainer — teaching pilots to fly. 

     

     Meanwhile, Nels' oldest brother Basil, served as a Lieutenant with the Field Artillery Regiment in England. 

     Wars take a massive toll on society. It’s been said by those who really know, “War is Hell!”  

     

     Perhaps the greatest irony of all times is… "fighting a war… to gain peace.”  

     
   
     I remember having to memorize the following poem during my early school days.   

     Canada’s official poem:  

     In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae (a doctor from Guelph, Ontario).    

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow 

Between the crosses, row on row, 

That mark our place; and in the sky 

The larks, still bravely singing, fly  

Scarce heard amid the guns below. 

We are the Dead. 

Short days ago 

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 

Loved and were loved, 

and now we lie In Flanders fields. 

Take up our quarrel with the foe: 

To you from failing hands we throw the torch; 

be yours to hold it high. 

If ye break faith with us who die 

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow 

In Flanders fields.   

     This is now printed on Canada’s new 10 dollar bill. The font is so small you’ll need a magnifying glass to read it.


— beulah

The meaning of worship

     

     Having just returned from Sunday church, or as some might say from worship, I began musing just what that means. 

     I have noticed over the years, that the meaning of the word worship has become quite limited. Most of us would probably say it is a gathering of Christians engaged in corporate worship in a church building. I’ve also heard others associating worship with the music part of the service that most churches engage in. 

     I think worship is a response to our knowledge of who God is. 

     I believe it can include our entire lives living daily in truth, and in an awareness of His Presence. 

     Realizing God as my loving Heavenly Father who watches over and cares for me, I often feel a response to reach out to Him in love and gratefulness. Perhaps that is worship. 

     We worship God with our words. Through singing, we “offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of our lips that openly confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15). 

     This now-generation has introduced their own mode of worship, and rightly so. A new song genre so completely different than what we oldies developed our faith on. We have had to be accepting and to learn that church worship is never about us anyway! 

     I think we’ve had to lay down our preferences, concentrate on having an evangelistic heart as we consider and pray for this generation that is worshipping and finding God in their own way. 

     Music has been called “the language of the soul.” Someone has called the contemporary, spiritual songs prominent today, as a subjective worship of God, conveying hope, love, gratitude and praise. 

     Many of today’s praise songs are beautiful and uplifting, containing scriptural truths. I still appreciate the timeless hymns that contain objective truths about God — doctrinal in content, focused on the cross, resurrection, salvation, the Second Coming, etc. 

     Many of the truths in these old hymns have been filtered through our minds and settled in our hearts. 

     

     Once learned as a child or young person, who will ever forget them? I believe we also worship God with our works. 

     Hebrews 13:16 says, "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” 

     I don’t think I can emulate Jesus if I’m not a giver. So, we worship God in our giving… "as it is a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) 

     Worshipping God then, is the natural outflow of my heart, deepening and enriching my intimacy with God. I have found worship of God can take place anytime, anywhere, because buildings aren’t needed. 

     Nor are rituals or forms or liturgy. It can just happen anywhere and at any moment, as praise overflows from the deep places of our hearts! 

     That I believe is true worship.  How could it not be, as I considered, — “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey …the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.” (Deuteronomy 2:7).    

     On a lighter note… Fall is here and flu shots are being offered once again. My children will probably be relieved to hear their aging mom finally decided to go with the flow and offer my arm, after a hiatus of 11 years. 

     Could it be I’m getting wiser or finally accepting my age? The flu shot is no doubt the thing to do at any age. 

     My calendar is already marked with my schedule to help man the Salvation Army kettles for this upcoming Christmas Season. 


     Where did our year go? I hear snow is preparing to bless us here in the Okanagan later this week. 

     For now, beautiful, coloured leaves continue to fall. My lawn is a complete blanket of yellow! 

     My delightful, regular trek around the exterior of Glenmeadows, causes me to be in continual awe of the many shapes, sizes and multi-colours drifting down under my feet. Indeed, God’s beautiful handiwork!

— beulah

Remembering Nels, 10 years later

     

     “Of all the special blessings heaven sends, the greatest is being married to your best friend.”

 — Unknown   

     That truth became a bitter sweet memory once again, as this Thanksgiving season marked 10 long years without my Nels. Fifteen family members gathered around my table this year, all still very much aware of that empty chair. 

     

     The game Karen led us in, helped each of us remember in a jovial way, some of Nels' interesting traits. 

     Cherished memories and a poignant reminder of a special love that has filtered through the lives of those he has left behind. 

     Among the different ventures Nels was involved with over the years, one was as an employee of Sears Canada, mostly serving in management. 

     

     Recently, we are hearing that this Canadian company, which, at one time, was successful and popular, is now falling from grace. 

     I’m sure Nels would be saddened by the thought, as Sears helped put “bread and butter” on our table for 20 long years. 

     Nels was a long-term, dedicated employee of a then upright company, serving its clients well and with honesty. 

     At one time, Nels was manager of appliances in their Burnaby store. I still remember the special care he showered on his customers, as he personally delivered the warranty for their newly-bought appliance. He wanted to make sure they were completely satisfied with their major purchase. 

     Now among the many disappointments resulting from the company’s closure, there will be no more warranties granted. Wow! Now, my fairly new Sears Kenmore appliances gracing my kitchen are on their own. (So please don’t break down any time soon.) 

     With 65 years of being a household name across Canada, 12,000 long-term, dedicated employees of the once-great Sears are now left with an undesirable future. 

     

     Who, as kids, didn’t wait with bated breath for that Christmas WishBook to arrive in the mail? 

     It's just another reminder, that in life, nothing remains the same. But as life goes on, so must we, keep our resolve to be positive in spite of being barraged with mostly negativism in our daily news. 

     Someone correctly said, “We are living in a day of tangled thinking.” Never before have we seen such a casting aside of moral restraint, every day hearing of another prominent personality accused of sexual harassment. 

     Things that a generation ago were considered shocking are now accepted as commonplace occurrences. 

     

     The principal topic of conversation seems to be sex. 

     We could be called old-fashioned or puritanical if we speak against it. Also, the spirit of lawlessness prevails and revolutions have become, as one put it, “the spirit of the age.” 

     It seems every person wants to do what is right in his or her own eyes, beginning in the home where often there is very little discipline. 

     Without a voice of authority in the home, how can we expect our children to obey the voice of government and the laws of the land? 

   

     Lawlessness comes from hearts that are really rebelling against God, who is Love and Truth. The hope for it all, is the Man the world continues to reject — that God-man Jesus. 

     As we uphold Him, may we leave it to Him!  

     “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”   (Proverbs 14:34)

— beulah