Nothing beats time together in person

     Our world we once thought of as “big,” has seemingly become “small” because of being connected electronically, like never before. 

     

     Immediately receiving news from afar while it is happening, is a wonder we now expect and take for granted. 

     But I am somewhat amazed at the way this generation has allowed this wonderful discovery to take over much of their waking hours. 

     Whether at a bus stop, walking in the mall or on the street, waiting for an appointment, sitting with friends at a restaurant — and unfortunately in some cases, while driving a car — they seem drawn to and controlled by their smartphone. 

     Having immediate help at hand if needed is wonderful, and has been a lifesaver in many instances. But like many other challenges we face daily, self-control over some of our actions is necessary. 

     We are continually hearing that distracted drivers are everywhere! It is making the commutes of those of us who are responsible drivers, more challenging and needlessly dangerous. 

     I am sad when I see two friends or family members sitting side-by-side, waiting for a transit or doctor’s appointment, busy on their trusty phones. 

     Nothing beats time together in person. 

     Sharing and laughing together, we can often sense the other person’s emotions as we watch their facial movements and look into their eyes. 

     Those with whom we love, whether family or friends, we should share with each other face to face. 

     Recently, I enjoyed renewed friendship with Norma, my longtime Calgarian friend. It was truly a serendipity — an unexpected ten-day visit as well as having sister Merle come and share our togetherness. 

     Recalling earlier escapades and trips we had taken together, we now found ourselves encouraging each other, as we continue on through stages called old age. 

Photo credit: B.C. Wildfire Management Branch

     As raging wildfires continue to take over much of our province this summer, we can only imagine the many friendships, that of necessity are being formed. 

     Many, that no doubt, will be lasting. How wonderful, that the very best  of human nature comes into play when serious events begin happening around us. 

     Our prayers are with the many, who are and will be, in dire circumstances, with an unsure future. 

     Who do most of us turn to at such perilous times? 

     As the old song goes, “Where can I go, Oh where can I go? Needing a comfort for my soul. Needing a friend, to help me in the end. Where can I go but to the Lord?” 

     Many, who normally live their lives oblivious to the God who created them and their world, and perhaps even having denied His existence, find themselves when in difficult circumstances, calling out to that same God they have ignored. 

     

     Why? Because, “He has set eternity in the hearts of men,” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and deep down they know He is the only One who can bring comfort and peace at such trying times. 

     Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has offered us His friendship. (John 15:15). We can meet and speak with Him as one speaks to a friend. 

     
     No doubt many of the firestorm evacuees have accepted His offer, sharing their hearts with Him as they would with a friend — their fears, burdens, and yes, their joys and thankfulness during these uncertain and frustrating days.



— beulah

Being Canadian, from coast to coast

     

     

          As a young lass in our little country school, I learned early to respect and love my country, Canada. 

     In front of the unfurled flag, we made our simple pledge of allegiance. 

     
     Standing tall, we would place our right hand over our heart and repeat, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of Canada and to the country for which it stands, one nation under God, with freedom and liberty for all.” 

     We reverently sang O Canada, while standing at attention, as serious as though we were singing a christian anthem. 

     I often poured over our thick geography book as one picture in particular grabbed my attention. I was fascinated to see a cedar tree so huge, a car was able to back inside its trunk! 

     

     We had trees in abundance in the Maritimes, beautiful deciduous trees that made a spectacular display of colour each autumn. But really? Cedars in the west that grow to be that large? 

     

     Never did I dream I would one day see “that tree” for real in Stanley Park, and that beautiful city,Vancouver, so far away, would become my home. 

     Choosing to live the opposite end of our country, yet wanting to keep in touch with family, would mean many trips across our fair land. My first trip, no doubt, was my most memorable. 

     Awakened to a click-clacking sound that resembled train wheels as well as constant swaying of my bed, I opened my eyes. 

     Ever so slowly, I became aware that indeed, I was aboard a Canadian Pacific Railway train heading west. 

     

     Beside me was Nels, my new husband of two short weeks. 

     I remembered I had faithfully promised to share my whole life with him, wherever it might take us. 

     Right now, it was taking us on our first journey to the home awaiting us in Vancouver. 

     

     Having left my home province of New Brunswick, with five days of rail travel covering over 4,000 miles to our destination, I felt as though I might as well be moving to China. 

     Saying goodbye to our province, on into Quebec, following the St, Lawrence River, passing through Ontario and the Great Lakes, we were awed at the vast expanse of our immense country. 

     The quaint farms of Ontario and Quebec, ebbed and flowed past our window, as we made our steady migration west. 

     

     The Canadian Rocky Mountains might have deterred early pioneers, but then, the rail line opened the way for thousands of immigrants from Europe to begin new lives in the Prairies and the West. 

     Now it was carrying me to my new life. In a way, I felt much like an immigrant as well. 

     Enjoying the unfolding beauty of each province, the golden sea of flat wheat fields of Saskatchewan, mesmerized me. 

     Crossing into Alberta, the sea of wheat was replaced by an ocean of cattle and oil derricks. 

     

     Then, the Rocky Mountains, with their sharp, jagged peaks began to appear — welcoming me to the West.
     
     

     As our train reached its destination at the main terminal in Vancouver that late August afternoon, who would have thought that this city would become my home for the next 40 years?

 

     Our next journey, from the West to the East was the during the summer of ’55 — a somewhat challenging road trip it turned out to be. 

     As Nels' dad was dying of cancer, a visit to see him seemed imperative. Our newly-bought 1952 Chevrolet seemed to be the answer for our mode of travel. 

     

   

     With the Trans-Canada Highway not yet completed, our only choice was to cross into Washington State, heading eastward to Toronto, on to Montreal east again across the State of Maine and into New Brunswick.
     It was not until September 3, 1962, that then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker officially opened the Trans-Canada Highway at a ceremony in Rogers Pass, B.C. 

     The highway which stretches 7,821 kilometres between St. Johns, Nfld., and Victoria, B.C. was in fact completed in 1971. Adding several alternative routes brought its total length to 12,800 kilometres of pavement. 

     No matter which route you take or how much time you spend on the highway — you’ll never come across its end as both St. John’s and Victoria each claim the prestige of being mile zero of the world’s longest road. 

     

     Our great Canada, so versatile in its beauty, is a home we can be proud of.    

     As many red and white flags will be flying this July 1st. celebrating our Canada's 150th birthday, may our prayer be that…"His rule will extend from sea to sea."

 — Zechariah 9:10

— beulah