The sweet fragrance of Christ

     

     

     I've heard it said, “Your smile is the front porch of your heart. Let it be warm, welcoming and bright.” 

     Smiling comes easily for me. I like to smile. 

     Perhaps its because of the saying I’ve often heard, “Keep smiling and people will wonder what you’re up to!” 

     I try to be the first to offer my smile to strangers. Who knows? It just might help someone realize they are noticed and acknowledged. 

     Recently, I experienced what I like to call another “serendipity” at my “coffee haunt” —Walmart’s MacDonald's. Enjoying one of their tasty and pretty decent coffees, I gain that needed energy for grocery shopping later on. 

     Another chance meeting, this time with a lovely couple, Jerry and Helen from Calgary. They were visiting our fair city, celebrating their wedding anniversary. 

     I was a little ‘taken aback’ when acknowledging me with his forthright question, Jerry asked if I was a Jesus-follower. Receiving my positive answer, we immediately sensed a warm, mutual bond that exists when sharing the same Spirit — Jesus’ Spirit, making us indeed, brothers and sisters in Christ. 

     Sharing information about ourselves came easily, and it soon seemed as if we had always known each other. 

     I wonder if heaven will be like that. Imagine having eternity to get to know all our many brothers and sisters that will be there from across the world! 

     Lately, while spending some quiet moments in the Word, this verse grabbed my attention — “Thanks be to God, who … uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians: 2:14). 

     I thought, “Could it be possible my new friends sensed a pleasing fragrance of Christ emanating from my persona?" 

     Enjoy the following delightful short story from my favourite Daily Bread booklet: 

     “A lady was visiting a small village in Dover, England. 
Sitting outside a cafe enjoying a cup of tea, she became aware of a beautiful scent. 
She asked a waiter where it was coming from, and was told it was the people passing by. 
Most of the villagers were employed at a nearby perfume factory. 
Walking home from their day’s work, they carried the fragrance that had permeated their clothes out into the streets.”  

     How can I be permeated with the sweet fragrance of Christ, carrying it out into the streets wherever I go? 

     I believe it will depend on my spiritual condition, as to what kind of aroma I will be sending forth. The more time I spend developing my relationship with Jesus, the more I will automatically wear His fragrance — which is always pleasing and beautiful! 

     Then, others will sense the spiritual aroma of Christ, an aroma that brings life, radiating from my personality. It will be evident as I engage in Christ-like service through words and deeds. 

     How amazing would that be, if people could observe me and say, “I see Jesus in you!” 

     So, parting with my new friends, warm hugs were exchanged, and promises to keep in touch via e-mail or telephone calls. I felt I had once again experienced a God-arranged encounter — knowing He always has His reasons for every person He chooses to bring across my path.     

     Spring has sprung! The warm, sunny days are slow arriving, but evidence of new life is everywhere. 

     

     Vancouver has been enjoying their yearly Cherry Blossom Festival, March 30 to April 23. For more than 60 years, Vancouverites have celebrated each spring, with the flowering plum and cherry trees lining streets and gracing parks — showing off their fragile beauty. 

     

     It is mainly a two-week period when the most beautiful and exciting cherry blossom moments are captured. 

     What gorgeous fragrances must be hovering over those abundant blossoms.    

    “There is no stranger under the cherry tree.” 

— Kobayashi Issa 

  

     Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, 2017.  

     Something to think about…. "How has the world changed since that first Earth Day in 1970?"    

— beulah 

Expectant for Easter

     The beautiful season of Easter is with us once again. 

     
     As a young child, I waited expectantly for Easter, as it seemed to usher in sunny, warmer days, hinting of spring after a long and sometimes harsh winter.

     Attending Easter services at our country church was always on our family’s priority list. 

  
     A new spring outfit was a must, if finances allowed, complete with a colourful, matching hat and gloves, then very much in vogue. 

     The day began with us kids challenging each other at breakfast, to see who could eat the most eggs, cooked in various ways. 

     Our own flock of hens did their diligence the week previous, as they regularly supplied our needs. 

     The chocolate, creamed-filled eggs were scarce at our house, but I don’t recall even missing them. 

     Over the years, Easter and its significance has become increasingly more meaningful to me. 

     I always feel I need to pause, and in my thoughts, consider the events of that first Good Friday before skipping to the triumphal Sunday. 

     As a child, I was somewhat bewildered as to why that awful day was called “good.” 

     Later, I began to understand that God allowed His perfect Son to die for the sake of every wrong thing I have ever done, said, or thought. 

     He did it to save me from the death I deserve. 
     
     I recall my dad reading the Bible to me from Romans 6:23  — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

     From the time sin entered that perfect world in the Garden of Eden, a God who hates sin, had to devise a plan. My dad reminded me I was part of that plan and to embrace the gift. 

     So, yes, Good Friday was necessary and lives up to its name. I began to understand. Though I cringe each time I visit in my mind Jesus’ agony hanging there on that awful cross, I say,"What an awesome, loving, unselfish act!" 

     As we study the most popular religions of the world, we become aware that no provision is made for the forgiveness of sins apart from Jesus Christ. A centurion who witnessed Jesus’ death declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 

     I hope many skeptics this Easter will stop to examine the evidence concerning Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The change that has taken place in people’s lives who believe in Jesus, is undebatable and proof in itself. 

     Consider these words of Bill Bright — “I have yet to meet a person who has honestly considered the overwhelming evidence concerning Jesus of Nazareth who does not admit that He is the Son of God."        

     

     I am beginning my fifth consecutive year of posting on my blog, having begun this adventure in March, 2013. 

     The last blog post was my 200th. 

     I consider it a privilege to regularly post an assortment of my thoughts, be they — memories of my past, views on various subjects, ideas, comments on current events, my daily or weekly ministry experiences, or family happenings.  

     

     I'm so grateful for my editor-son, Dave, with his photographer’s eye and journalist abilities, faithfully helping to present my stories in an eye-catching and readable way. 

     I hope to continue blogging until my "manager" tells me otherwise. A big thank you to all my faithful readers.  

     Some reflections on Easter...."He is not here; He is risen, just as He said."  — Matthew 28:6     

     "Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." 

— Martin Luther   

     Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"   

     Springtime, bringing its promise of new life, seems the appropriate time to celebrate Easter with all its beauty and meaning. 

     Why is it that one billion Christians around the world still gather to mark the event that happened 2000 years ago? 

     What we celebrate at Easter is the foundation of our christian faith — the day Christ rose from the dead, confirming our belief that — "because He lives, we shall live also." 

     Someone likened Easter to a wake-up call, to a beautiful day and a wonderful way of life, but we need to ask ourselves whether Christ is now living in us.  

     "Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, 'Christ is risen' but, 'I shall rise.'"  

— Phillips Brooke  

     Recently, my pastor closed his sermon with the following, known as the Apostles' Creed — a concise summary of christian beliefs widely used in many christian churches.  

     Note: It is called "Apostles' Creed," but not because the apostles wrote it. Churches in many different regions were involved in its development. 

     Also, the word "catholic" means "worldwide" or "universal." 

     Knowing what we believe about God, makes us stronger in our faith. 


What does the Creed say?  

     I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was  conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.         

"We live and die; Christ died and lived!"  — John Stott

— beulah

Zoom, zoom: Time to stop and re-fuel

      

     I believe, I have always had this mindset, “No matter how you feel — get up, dress up and show up!”

     But lately, as I wake up and look into the mirror I see an image looking like my driver’s licence picture. Aghast, I say out loud, “Who in the world is that? I didn’t invite her to my home, did I?” 

     Then the full-length mirror, which seems to always reveal absolute truth, gets in my way! 

     You see, the last three weeks my system has been dealing with an ugly and difficult throat virus, and so I haven’t felt or looked like my usual self. 

     

     I'm grateful that I have had to deal with few colds or sicknesses over the years, which I attribute to my strong immune system. Thanks to my years of imbibing Xango — a mangosteen juice supplement — and Juice Plus, my fruit and vegetable supplements, along with being aware of proper eating habits. 

     But sometimes, in spite of all that, a hard lesson comes our way— like constant use of our trusty vehicle without stopping for reinforcements, likewise our body can react the same way, with a warning — time to stop and re-fuel. 

     My aging body began to rebel after at least 10 consecutive, busy days filled with non-stop activity and responsibilities. 

     It may be that at times I just prefer to ignore, or even forget, the season of life which I’m now in. 

     So, I’ve been wondering…"What if any wisdom have I acquired after ‘doing life’ this long?” 

     Could it be: 

• Remembering to frame every so-called disaster with these words, “In two years, will this even matter?”  

• Remembering I’ve had a lifetime of seeing God provide for me.

• Knowing I’m not afraid of tomorrow — because I know God is already there. 

• Needing to feel the peace in my soul, as I sit back feeling loved by family and friends, and aware that I am His. 

• Aware that I am planting seeds of love, respect and faith — leaving a worthwhile legacy.   

     A few weeks ago while taking my sister to her doctor’s appointment, we encountered two individuals who we learned were facing different but equally difficult and trying health concerns. 

     

Merle Robertson

 Upon exiting the elevator, we noticed an older gentleman in a motorized wheelchair awaiting a taxicab. 

     Merle, (my only living and very dear sister) has always found it easy to be a friend to all — including strangers.  

     Asking how his day was going, the man's immediate reply was, “Terrible!” 

     Merle’s kind response was, “Then you need a hug,” which she respectfully delivered.  

     The stalwart appearance of this gent caused me to feel that an army general could have been his profession. 
     He offered, “These darn strokes are terrible!” 

     Leaving him with our farewell greeting and our silent prayers, we saw a once vibrant life, now imprisoned in a body with a new dependence on others to fulfill his next need. 

     We moved on, meeting our friend Yolanda at MacDonald’s — one of our favourite coffee joints. Friendly conversations soon began with a nice, young man nearby.  

     We discovered he'd recently had a brain (cancer) operation, and had just returned from a chemo session. Being a young father — probably in his 30s — with two young children, he seemed to be “facing life straight on.” 

     His proclaimed faith and future outlook was refreshing. Willingly sharing his concerns, he shared that he felt it was a “God thing” that he met up with these three praying grannies — as he asked us to keep him in our prayers. 

          Kevin left us, but not before giving a special hug to his three, new friends which he called, “the golden girls.” 

Popular sitcom The Golden Girls, portrayed four previously married women living together in Miami, sharing their experiences and enjoying themselves despite hard times.

     Continuing through life, I am learning there are no ordinary people. We were all created to be unique. 

     I am also learning that when we help or hurt one another, the One who loves us takes it personally. 

     “… I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”  

—Matthew 25:40 

     I am also learning there are consequences for our words.  

     Here's an interesting excerpt from Our Daily Bread.

     "On a crowded London commuter train, an early morning rider shoved and insulted a fellow passenger who got in his way. 
It was the kind of unfortunate and mindless moment that usually remains unresolved. 
But later that day, the unexpected happened. 
A business manager sent a quick message to his social media friends, 'Guess who just showed up for a job interview.' 
When his explanation appeared on the internet, people all over the world winced and smiled. 
Imagine walking into a job interview only to discover that the person who greets you is the one you had shoved and sworn at earlier that day."    

     

     “Set a guard over my mouth O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”   

— Psalm 141:3

— beulah