The sweetest and best things in life, are often nearest

     

      

     “The best things in life are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. 

     Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson     

     

     The above quote from one of my favourite authors, quite aptly describes my rendezvous with summer as I enjoyed my “stay-at-home” vacation. 

     I feel I have been on a “sabbatical,” though I’ve not been engaged in either study or travel. 

     To my blog followers, I have missed connecting with you and am pleased to be back. Two months is long enough for my aging brain to rest, so I now feel I must continue on, releasing some of my pent-up thoughts and points-of-view, as I watch life continue to unfold. 

Photo credit: CBC.ca

     Our unusual summer with the fearful fires, saw many with bated breath, awaiting the end of the fire story which seems long in coming. 

     In spite of the many unbearably hot days and smoke-filled skies that hampered outdoor activities and patio parties, it still was one of my best summers. 

     Yes, truly a reminder that “the best things in life ‘are’ nearest.” 

     As I have often remarked to family that I am not a gardener at heart as their dad was, yet out of necessity I found “flowers at my feet” begging my attention. I found my daily watering exercise became less a chore as I bonded with my colourful geraniums, asiatic lily, and orange carnations. 

     Yes,…engaging in duties at hand, doing life’s plain, common work as it comes, can be the sweetest things in life — quite rewarding I have found. 

     With Karen’s help and efficiency, we managed to clear out unused musical tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and books from my library, ready to send off to our local thrift store. Such chores are often long overdue. 

     On-going weeks, waiting for the completion of my kitchen renovations, I at times wondered, “where is that important ‘fruit of the Spirit’…PATIENCE?" 

     The end result, now so pleasing, was well worth the waiting. It served me well as I had the privilege of entertaining out-of-town family and friends. 

     

     What a joy to have son Roger and grandson Brayden spend the occasional day with me, interspersed with their coming and going fishing adventures. 

     My Kamloops family coming for a very special wedding here in our city, blessed me by choosing “Beulah’s B&B” for their overnight stays. 

     

Marian (left), Sarah and Carolyn. 

     Having Marian Owens, Dave’s mother-in-law, stay with me, was an added delight. 

     Sunday noon, before everyone’s departure, 14 family members gathered here for a luncheon. 

     It was the “icing on the cake” using Marian’s quote, as many hadn’t seen each other in awhile. 

     Then, to have my three men, Dave, Roger and Brayden all to myself for a couple of days was truly unique and wonderful. 

     
Our late night conversations on the patio, seeing Brayden making breakfast in my new kitchen, sharing Psalm 91 together, and our White Spot dinner, will be some of my forever memories. 

    

     Roger’s unique talent and savvy in designing and constructing a place for his boat in my garage, while still providing winter storage for my patio furniture astounded me! 

Roger and Brayden worked until just before midnight to complete the storage shelf in Beulah's garage.

          
     I must mention another guest that added to the excitement and specialness of the weekend with the Kamloops visitors. 

     I finally got to see and make friends with Dave and Carolyn’s very unusual and beautiful Siberian cat, Ava. 

     

     Firstly, checking out every room in the house, then looking me over, she settled in and decided I could be her guardian while her family came and went to the various wedding activities. 

     I truly enjoyed her inquisitive and friendly company, even when she claimed her right to sprawl atop my dining room table, my bed, or beside my lamp on my reading table, for a closer view of the outdoors.  

     The camaraderie I enjoyed earlier in July with Sis Merle and Calgary friend, Norma, causes me to yearn for more. Another Norma visit pending? I hope so. 

     Nels and I often agreed we were never happier than when our home was overflowing with love and laughter with family and friends. 

     

     They were and still are, “the sweetest things in life,” and yes, also — “the best things in life ARE nearest!” 

     We just need to: breath in our nostrils, open our eyes, give thanks for our daily duties and daily bread, knowing the path of right and blessing is always before us! 

     Thanks, Robert Louis Stevenson, for reminding us.

— beulah

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

The tie that binds, celebrating Father's Day

     

     Father’s Day — a day to honour the special person who has had a major role in the event of us being here on planet earth. 

     Unfortunately, there are some folk who have never known their birth father for various reasons. Others, may be carrying unpleasant memories about a dad they would sooner forget. At times, fathers do disappoint or hurt their children. Others have been blessed with a dad who gave them a good glimpse of what our heavenly Father is like. 

     

      As I go back in memory to my Dad, I believe he did just that.

     Trying to envision some of my early childhood days relating to my dad, I’m convinced that much of who I am today, is because of his fatherly influence. 

     My dad’s employment made it necessary for him to be away from home at different times and seasons. 

     Yet I recall precious moments I loved as a child. 

     

     Often, when he was at home, he would tuck me in bed at night, lying beside me, he would just talk or tell me stories. 

     He taught me life lessons as well. On one occasion, my brother and I were driving with Dad along a country road when we passed an overly obese lady. Child-like, we began to laugh, making unkind remarks. 

     Dad scolded us saying, “Those comments are cruel. You might be like that yourself some day. "You should be respectful of others different than yourselves. "I never want to hear you laughing at someone like that again!” 

     
     The scolding, I’m sure, affected my thinking, helping me to be accepting of others as I increasingly realized everyone is of value to God. My dad often read the Bible to us kids, reminding us why Jesus came and urged us to open our hearts to Him. 

     

     Later, after becoming a christian, I was encouraged and inspired when I saw him read the Bible regularly. 

     He had a deep concern for others and their relationship to God. 

     Returning home on weekends, after my week of teaching in the city, he was always eager to discuss a christian book I was reading, or to hear of a christian meeting I had attended. 

     

     Another precious moment with my Dad will forever be etched in my memory. It was the summer of my engagement to Nels. My parents had suspected we would be married and so did not seem surprised by our announcement. 

     Nels, wanting to do things the proper way, approached my dad, formally asking for my hand in marriage. Giving Nels his blessing, I can still see the tears streaming down my dear Dad’s face. Though happy for me, and with warm feelings toward Nels, yet he had mixed emotions. He was well aware it meant his youngest child would be leaving the family nest and living too far away. 

     

     

     These and similar stories of my early life can be found in my biography, Seeds of Love...  

     When we pause to recall the loving family relationships some of us have been blessed with, it is only a small picture of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

     


     We’re told, “The Lord delights in those who fear (honour, reverence) him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” 

Psalm 147:11 

     I believe God is delighted when He hears from us. Just as I am thrilled when one of my children gives of their time with a phone call, a visit over coffee, or even a Scrabble game, so must my Heavenly Father be pleased when I find time to spend with Him.     

     We have just completed National Blood Donor week. It was a week intended to celebrate blood donor volunteers and the people who do such great work on our behalf. However, it became a serious cry to the public, asking for more donors due to a critical shortage in the blood bank at this time. 

     The need was to collect 50,000 units of blood across Canada by end of June. Many of us have had blood transfusions during or after a surgery. The possibility of all of us needing such help is always there. 

     I recently signed up and received training to assist at our local clinic. I also forwarded information regarding the urgency for donors to many on my email list.     

     How can you help?  Visit blood.ca  Get the GiveBlood app.     

     Blood is life, and necessary for our survival. It is to be treated with respect.   

     “For the life of a creature is in the blood…it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. The blood of the Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to the blood of the Lamb who obtained for his people eternal redemption.”   

Hebrews 9:12     

     

        As a side note, I was pleased to hear today of Gord Downey of the Tragically Hip Canadian music group, receiving the Order of Canada award, because of his devotion to the cause of bringing more awareness of indigenous people. 

     

It was long overdue, I would add.


— beulah

Hoping by week's end, everything will be just "ducky"

     

     As I relax in my easy chair, sitting by my bedroom window, I look out upon my colourful flower garden so tastefully designed by my gardener, daughter Karen Joy. 

     Listening to the varied and delightful songs from my little bird friends, I muse, “What could be more peaceful?”  

     I am especially thankful and excited today. 

     My new kitchen cupboards are presently being installed! Never mind that it feels somewhat like a camping adventure, with dishes, pots and pans, and non-perishable food items stashed in my dining room and garage. 

     But knowing the end result will be pleasing, makes it all worthwhile. 

     

     

     My community here at Glenmeadows has maple trees lining the streets, with flowering shrubs and hedges throughout, making it a haven for different kinds of birds. 

     Lots of quail, an occasional black squirrel who likes to visit, and once I had a huge owl appear on the tree in my backyard. 

     

     Our resident mallard ducks, a colourful drake and a mottled brown female partner enjoy our waterways and strolls through the grassy areas.

     We’ve even had visits from deer, who somehow find their way over the walls of our gated community. 

     

     Recently, the bird world surrounding my home wasn’t too peaceful. Noisy and not-so-friendly magpies — one in particular — made it known that he was not pleased with the presence of other birds nearby.

     Getting out my bird guide, I possibly identified these birds as “juncos” known as ground-feeding sparrows. 

     War was now on, as I observed three or four birds trying to find refuge in a secluded spot near my den window. 

     Possibly so overcome with fear, and cornered, they left a ‘messy, tell-tale’ presence on my wrought iron settee and nearby garage window sill. 

     Feeling for them — yet not appreciating their mess — I shooed them off. Forgetting that my garage door was open, one dashed inside for cover, hiding from view. Searching over and under everything with no image of a bird in sight, I closed the door, assuming it had left. 

     Sometime later, going to my garage, there sat the “bird-in-question.” Motionless and stiff with fear, it would not move, even at the sound of the noisy garage door being opened. By my urging it onward, it finally took flight to a nearby tree, but not without being followed by its detestable enemy, who had obviously been patiently waiting. 

     I did not wish to know the outcome. It being the “nesting season,” perhaps protecting its young was on the mind of this disreputable magpie. He probably thought his territory was being invaded. 

     When I first moved here — not used to seeing magpies at the Coast — I was somewhat fascinated with these omnivorous scavengers. I’ve learned they are members of the crow family. Unique with their remarkable tail, longer than their body, it seems to stream behind as they are in flight. 

     Recently, pedestrians on the sidewalks in an area of Vancouver, were attacked by crows. The friendly crows were swooping down, touching the back of the heads or necks of people as they walked along. It was said the crows would not approach anyone from the front, only attack their back. I never heard the reason for that. 

     Considering the amazing bird world our Heavenly Father chose to create, we can be reminded of Jesus’ words and His watchful care over them and us as well. 

     “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.” 

—Matthew 6: 26   

     The following old hymn was one of my favourites as a child.    

“All things bright and beautiful, 

All things great and small, 

All things wise and wonderful; 

Our Father made them all. 

Each little flower that opens, 

Each little bird that sings; 

He made their glowing colours, 

He made their tiny wings. 

Cold wind in the winter, 

Pleasant summer sun, 

Ripe fruits in the garden; 

He made them everyone. 

He gave us eyes to see them, 

And lips that we might tell 

How good is God our Father 

Who doeth all things well."   

     "It’s going to be a great week!" 

     Son, Roger, from Abbotsford is visiting me this week. 

     Nathan, one of my grandsons, is graduating from UBC  Okanagan on Thursday with a civil engineering degree. 

     I get to go to the ceremony, and celebration later in the evening with family and friends. 

     I anticipate seeing my completed cupboards and countertops in my cozy kitchen by week’s end. 

     God just continues to BLESS and BLESS and BLESS!!!!!

— beulah