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

Connecting with clan

      Author Jane Howard wrote, “Call it a clan, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” 

     As I often remind myself, I am blessed with a loving family. 

     Some of them live nearby, others within reasonable distances so as to be able to visit me from time to time. What a joy to anticipate those out-of-town visits. 

     I feel sad when I hear of someone, for various reasons, without kith or kin. 

     Is God lonely when He is separated from those He loves? 

     As actor, Michael J. Fox pointed out, “Family is not an important thing. It is everything!” 

     This week, as it was the spring break from school, granddaughter Krista with my great-grands, Evelyn (6 yrs.), and Melissa, (3-1/2 yrs.), came from Richmond to visit Papa and Grandma, (James and Karen). 

     

Krista (left), Evelyn and Karen.

     I was invited to be a part of a “girl’s time out” — to be pampered, which for me was truly a serendipity! 

     Great-grandma Beulah, grandma Karen, grand-daughter Krista, and great-grand Evelyn all found their comfortable chairs at Angelina’s — each ready for a lovely pedicure. 

     Soon we were walking away feeling light-footed and beautiful! 
    

     It was unfortunate that Melissa couldn’t join us, as she was recovering from a slight tummy upset, possibly a reaction from an earlier Easter egg hunt that grandma Karen had organized with the neighbourhood kids. 

     The calendar says spring has arrived, but we keep waiting for sunshine and warmer days. 

     Spring is a beautiful time of re-birth in many ways. Often, spring awakens more than dormant plant-life. 

     My neighbour telephoned me the other day, asking if I had any left-over insect repellent. She had discovered a line of ants that were taking over a portion of her garage. 

     What busy little creatures they are — another of God’s marvels! 

     

     But maybe these insignificant little insects have a valuable lesson for us. 

     When God created the animal and insect kingdoms, He made each species unique with amazing abilities and sense. 

     My thoughts then lead me to my Bible and to the book of Proverbs that often has statements expressing truths about human behaviour. 

     I read, “Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest,” (Proverbs 6:6-8). 

     We know ants are highly social, living in colonies where each has a special job, keeping things running efficiently. They have an exemplary work ethic, respectfully considering the good of all. When there’s a need, each can be relied upon for the colony’s success, such as “springing into action” should the top of their ant hill get knocked off. 

     As this verse suggests, the sluggard considers only the here and now, while the ant plans ahead for the good of all.  

     

     I wonder, do I look beyond my self-interests, have respect and feel responsibility for the greater good of the colony of which I am a part — my community or my church?     

     Do you worry about the future? 
People have always done it. 

     Even in ancient Greece, 500 years before Christ, concern about what was to come caused the playwright Aeschylus to comment on it. 

     “The future you shall know when it comes," he wrote. Until then — forget about it!”   

— beulah   

A weekend of celebrations

     Last weekend was one of celebrations! I so enjoyed my visit with family in Kamloops. 

     

     My son Dave’s, mother-in-law, Marian, having reached that wonderful age — all of 90 years, was honoured with a beautiful celebration tastefully put together by her family and the aid of some faithful friends. 

     Nearly 300 people attended, with four local choirs joyfully performing at the Sunday afternoon event.

     

     Having her two sisters and brother attend, all the way from Ontario, and the huge response of friends from the community, I’m sure caused Marian to feel very honoured and blessed. 

     

     As it was son, Roger’s birthday that weekend also, his brother, Dave, gave us, a family of ten, a time to also celebrate his life. 

     

     The delicious roast beef dinner with all the fixings, served to us as we gathered around his large, dining table, made for a happy, interchange of fun and conversation. 

      I have felt blessed of late, as I have been able to reach out in tangible ways of encouragement, helping my elderly neighbour. 

     Lending a hand along the way — taking her to hospital when needed, to the doctor, for blood work, or helping with her grocery shopping. Unfortunately, she has no family member living within the city, all being at a great distance. 

     I’m also learning that one of the best ways to love others, is to pray for them. 

     Another neighbour has needed my prayers as well, because of recurring heart problems. I think wherever we find ourselves, we need to be ready to give a hand and keep pulling together every day. 

     Not knowing when it might be “our turn” to need help. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us — “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, …let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  

     Today, I had the privilege of attending a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at our local church, sponsored by a ladies’ Bible study group. 

     Based on the theme, Alice in Wonderland, fun was had discussing the Mad Hatter’s world — a world of sense but often nonsense. In many ways so typical of our own mad world we find ourselves in. The theme carried out in their unique decorations, the unusual hats many of the ladies wore, freshly-baked scones accompanied with cream cheese, jam, fruit and of course, tea served in china cups and saucers — all evident of much thought, creativeness and hard work. 

     The speaker, Lorraine Richmond, from Habitat for Humanity, spoke on the theme, Defining Who I Am.  

     

     We may sometimes say, “I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.” Richmond says, “Our quality of life depends on the story I tell myself of who I am.” 


     How am I choosing to live? We can find ourselves in a fear-based place instead of moving forward with high trust. We need to remember…“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.”   

— Romans 12:2

— beulah

Getting in shape for spring

“The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow, 

And what will poor robin do then, poor thing? 

He’ll sit in a barn and keep himself warm, 

And hide his head under his wing, poor thing.”   

— 16th century Mother Goose poem         

     Lately, I’m beginning to feel like poor robin. I keep wondering when will the snow cease coming and allow that lovely sunshine that blessed us today, to usher in spring. 

     I’m ready to say goodbye to winter. 

     

     Today, I observed a large, noisy family of Canadian geese soaring in beautiful formation. 

     I wondered if they were returning from an earlier trek south, or just being revived by the beauty of the day on an "exercise mission," getting their wings in shape. 

     

     So many events keep happening in our world, some great, others not. 

     Being proud of our Canada’s Olympians, I was pleased to see them being given a hero’s welcome as they returned, sporting their 29 medals, 11 of them gold. 

     My heart continues to grieve as I hear of the on-going Hell happening in the Middle East. One wonders how humans, created in God’s image could bow to such evil. But Jeremiah 17:9, in God’s Word, reminds us ... “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” 

     There are those who look toward the future with fear.

     Statistics tell us one in four Canadian adults take anti-anxiety medications. Though we are living in a culture that pushes the word of God away, I have found it to be a great remedy to fear. It points to the One who knows the future and assures me He is in control. 

     Recently, the passing of evangelist Billy Graham got a small spot in the daily news. His messages throughout many years, was "faith in Jesus alone, giving hope of eternity with Jesus." 

     As a young person and a new christian, I was influenced by his then growing ministry in the 1950s. 

     Graham worked for racial harmony and equality, insisting on integrated seating at his crusades in the southern United States. Reaching out to people of colour, he had a warm friendship with Martin Luther King Jr., as they shared their respective roles in the civil rights struggle. 

     Today, we find our world still racially divided. As Dr. Graham faithfully preached over the years, we all need a new heart in order to live peacefully with our fellow man. 

     In Ezekiel 36:26 the Bible says, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.” 

     May we try to approach each day in the strength and optimism our Heavenly Father gives us when we ask.  

     Have fun with the following poem. 

• First read “downward.” 
• For uplifting thoughts, — “read from the bottom up.”      

Today 

Today was the absolute worst day ever  

And don’t try to convince me that  

There’s something good in every day  

Because, when you take a closer look, 

This world is a pretty evil place. 

Even if  

Some goodness does shine through once in a while Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.  

And it’s not true that  

It’s all in the mind and heart  

Because  

True happiness can be attained  

Only if one’s surroundings are good  

It’s not true that good exists  

I’m sure you can agree that  

The reality  

Creates  

My attitude  

It’s all beyond my control  

And you’ll never in a million years hear me say  

Today was a very good day.

by Chanie Gorkin 

— beulah