Spring is finally here

     

     This past week, many were mourning the loss of former U.S. First Lady, Barbara Bush, who went to her eternal home at the age of 92. 

     

     During the days prior to her death, her request for no further treatment was granted. In her family’s words, “Her soul was settled and was at peace,” she already knew her destination. 

          This was a lady who grew up in an era when God was often acknowledged in society, reverenced and taught in the home. 

     She lived what she believed, saying “faith” to her was an “action word.” 

     Family said she held to the old-line faith of her Episcopal Church. Believing education is a civil right for all, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy was established in 1989. 

     It was said she brought levity, love and literacy to millions. I was always impressed with her. Maybe it was her lovely, white hair and/or her pearls, which she often wore, each of which, have a story. 

     Early in their marriage they lost their three-year-old daughter. 

     
     During that difficult trauma and sorrow, Bush's hair changed to pure white.  

     Throughout the years, she chose to not change it to another colour. I also learned the pearls that were a part of her classy look, were “not the real thing.” I can relate to fake pearls. 

     Her legacy will long be remembered. 

     It’s been said that the best among us is remembered for 100 years or so. The rest of us are soon forgotten. 

     Though the memory of past generations soon fade, yet we know our legacy, whatever it will look like, will be passed on to those we leave behind. I believe, how we’ve loved God and others in our lifetime is the best legacy we could pass on. 

     While we are still here, remembering to “…tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (Psalm 78:4). 

     My sister, Merle and I recently found ourselves enjoying the quaint town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island. We had booked with Klassic Bus Tours for a three-day get-a-way. 

     Though every stop was usually at a casino, which pleased the majority of the passengers, Merle and I not being gamblers, focused on the beautiful scenery, the delightful ferry ride and the Chemainus dinner theatre experience. 

     

     Though previous travels had taken us there many times, seeing a live show is always a delight. It was a take-off on the Million Dollar Quartet, the Broadway musical inspired by the electrifying true story. 

     

     Juke box hits of the '50s with the characters of Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lewis, celebrating four of rock and roll’s brightest stars, who made an unforgettable place in music history. 

     For obvious reasons, my travel escapades are becoming fewer as the years pass. 

     Remembering the travel opportunities Nels and I had in those earlier years, visiting places we once never dreamed possible — those pleasant memories now fill my heart with thankfulness. 

     Whether it was a cruise on the canals in Amsterdam or on the Rhine, visiting Vatican City, the historic Colosseum in Rome, seeing Windsor Castle, the Queen’s holiday home as well as Buckingham Palace, a drive through the beautiful Austrian Alps, walking the streets of Vienna, or a city tour of Paris at the close of day. It all happened at just the right time in our lives. 

     I have been experiencing an unusually low energy level of late. Probably not surprising with my recent driving fiasco and weekend trip and being slightly older today than I was yesterday. 

     Choosing to be home-bound for two full days, which is unusual for me, I decided a breakfast at my favourite White Spot was to be first in the order of the day — with my B.C. Sunny Start of course. 

     I always enjoy relating to my servers and look for ways to encourage them in their busy day as they kindly serve and bless me. 

     

     Perhaps it’s called “scattering little seeds of love.”  Surprise! Spring is finally here! 

     Buds bursting forth on the trees, tulips and daffodils pushing their colourful heads through the soil, all tell me it’s so! 

     I am enjoying my patio already, thanks to Debi and Mark for getting my furniture out of its winter storage.     

     Frances Hodgson Burnett, who wrote the classic children’s story, The Secret Garden said, “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden."

— beulah

Learning lessons on life's road

     This week, hearts are heavy across our country and throughout the whole world. 

     The Humbolt, Sask. tragedy has brought a deep spirit of mourning for many. 
     

          Waves of grace and prayers are offered from many parts of the globe. 

     What a blessing it is that many of these families know the God, who is the Source of all comfort. 

     Early this morning, I arose with a full heart of thanksgiving and praise to my loving, Heavenly Father. 

     The experience of my yesterday, which was a culmination of a journey through weeks of dark clouds, gave me reason to say, “Today will be the beginning of my best days yet to come.” 

     Depending on our perspective, the situations we often face may seem trivial to some. Though there is always someone nearby with a greater problem, ours remains unique to us. 

     If the situation we find ourselves in brings us to a deeper trust, we know God has allowed it for our good. 

     

     This year, Road Safety BC made the decision to create a program called Enhanced Road Assessment Information for Drivers, administered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). 

     It’s purpose, to evaluate a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on our streets. 

     Notices began arriving in mail boxes of seniors aged 80 and older. 

     First, is a cognitive test by your family doctor. Receiving mine just prior to Christmas, I booked a date very early in January. It was not the best plan, as I wasn't functioning at my best, having experienced the busyness of pre-Christmas, my body and mind was fighting just to be normal. 

     For some unexplained reason, I could not carry through with the test. 

     Failing to re-book the test, I was left with no other option but to then look forward to an upcoming road test, which successfully took place this week. 

     Usually feeling able to handle what life brings, I now began doubting my ability in many areas — memory recall, feeling old and incapable. It's amazing what the "evil one" will tell us in our weakest moments. 

     

     Remembering my status as a child of my Heavenly Father, I began taking positive steps. 

     ICBC’s Learning to Drive Smart study guide found its way into my hands and I booked a lesson with All-Weather Driving School, just to see what I might be missing. 

     Having received a letter explaining road test requirements: multi-step directions and reverse driving routes, etc., I thought to myself, this process is sure to seem alarming to some, even causing them to make the choice to simply retire from driving. 


          As per their suggestion, I chose to have several supervised on-road practice sessions with either of my son-in-laws, Mark and James, as well as daughter, Debi. 

     This added to my already confident driving. I even booked another road course with Young Drivers of Canada. 

     Having attended a Road Safety presentation, which ICBC provided, I sensed the message being somewhat softened, perhaps because some were choosing to forfeit their driver's licence in lieu of the stress of taking the road test. 

    They sought to encourage seniors to keep driving, seemingly down-playing the eventual road test. 

     In spite of my decision to be pro-active in preparation for the test, feelings of fear and inadequacy kept surfacing in my mind at all the wrong times. 

     My calm only returned as I spent long hours digesting and receiving strength from God’s Word. I feasted on verses that instilled strength in me such as,“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

     Often becoming weak and finding it hard to trust, I asked His forgiveness many times. 

     Fast forward to this week. Soliciting prayers of my friends and family, God did just what He had promised me all along. His Presence was with me in a "BIG" way. 

     I couldn’t have been calmer during my road test with the friendly, young man, named Rich. 
     

     I should not have worried. I passed with only a few very slight demerits and with positive comments on my strong driving skills. 


     Do you think I am tired of travelling the streets? You betcha! 

     Tired, but grateful that I still have the freedom to do so. 

     

What's my point of relating all this? 

     

     Though my Heavenly Father has been my friend and guide for many years, I am still learning each day to have an ever-deepening trust and stronger faith, in His precious Word. 
     We will never be perfect in this life. In the meantime, my “Daddy,” my “Abba Father,” knows my frailties and keeps picking me up when I fall. 

     He says, "Do better now my child!”      

— beulah

The truth of the Easter gift

     

     We have heard it said that we are not truly equipped to live until we are equipped to die. 

     We are all very aware that life is short at best. 

     We may not be here tomorrow.

     This thought was enlarged upon at the Easter service I attended this past weekend. 

     James, in the Bible, explains it this way: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14). 

     It is a subject many don’t wish to talk about, so they shove it to the recesses of their minds.

     I am so glad we celebrate the Easter season each year, as the beautiful truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection reminds us that we do not have to fear death. 

     A reminder of the brevity of life was played out in our family just this past week, as my eastern relative, lovely Anne-Marie’s funeral took place on Easter Sunday. 

     Jesus firmly states, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” 

     

Mike and Anne-Marie Eagles

     I’ve been told how Anne-Marie quietly, and with confidence, during the long weeks prior to her passing, had no fear of death, trusting in her risen Lord who made it all possible that first Easter. 

     It is true, Jesus’ crucifixion is the most important moment in all of history. 

     It sufficiently covered the penalty for our sins. Then His resurrection reassured us of His love and freedom we can have over sin and, imputing eternal life to us, by our faith in Him. What a victory, all on our behalf! 

     Once considered, who wouldn’t want such a gift? 

     How we ought to be sharing this “good news” with others. And perhaps with the reminder that Christianity is ‘not’ just another religion, but is Truth. 

     Jesus is the only religious teacher who has physically died and returned to life, giving complete victory over death. He deserves our all.  

     This week, celebrations were held remembering the powerful civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. 

     It has been 50 years since his assassination. Giving a powerful speech just hours before his death, his untimely words of truth, conviction and faith, are still echoing today. 

     “Never give up, never hate, for hate is too heavy a burden to bear.” 

     A God-fearing man, his message to strive for a better tomorrow, to reach the mountaintop and on to the promised land is much needed in today’s charged climate with on-going racial injustice. 

     We no doubt ask, “What has really changed?"

     But King’s words still resonate with most of us — “I have a dream for a better world.” But we know, as did he, that only love can bring about that dream.May love prevail!       

     “On the third He rose again.”  

Mountain of Spices

Long night of sorrow and earth’s pain  

Gone like a dream! 

Death vanquished now; 

The Victor’s crown is on Love’s brow. 

The body sin could not destroy. 

Now healed and raised to life and joy. 

By Adam came all sin and pain, 

In Christ shall all men live again. 

Behold our God and Saviour thus! 

See what his Love will do for us.”      

— Hannah Hurnard

— beulah