The vacation that was... someone once said, "The best trips like the best love affairs, never really end. They remain a beautiful memory."
Now, with our Maritime adventures just that — a memory, I feel I have left my heart in so many places.
The long-awaited day finally arrived, and our trusty WestJet's four and a half hour flight, ably carried us over our majestic Canada to Toronto.
Expecting only a short wait, we soon learned our connecting Halifax flight was delayed five hours. An electrical storm the night previous, threw all the airlines schedules off.
So, lots of Tim Horton's coffee and interesting people to chat with, helped the time to pass.
A friendly, talkative native of the Annapolis Valley region of Nova Scotia, gave us our first insight into the life and times of the folk living there.
Though having only a few hours of rest at the airport's Quality Inn, we awakened the next day, somewhat refreshed and excited to begin discovering Halifax.
Frustrations of our previous day's travel forgotten, we set out to find the Heartwood Cafe.
It was to be the first introduction to "down-east hospitality" for my fellow travellers, Karen, Debi and Mark, as we met the owners, my grand-niece, Carrie and her husband, Joel, and their delightful daughters, Michael and Lacey.
The warm hugs and friendly chatter of these second cousins meeting for the first time, was a great introduction to similar greetings to follow. This vegan cafe with its "healthy choices" menu, impressed the girls, as they vowed to 'stay on track' with their travel eating plans.
During our brief hours exploring Halifax harbour, we found the tall ship, the Lord Nelson, had just arrived from its two year "around the world" trip.
It is one of two tall ships that is fully accessible for disabled passengers.
Making our way to the fishing village of Peggy's Cove, (with its mere population of 39 souls) we came upon a panorama of timeless beauty.
Meeting our friendly hosts, Judy and Dan, at our quaint Bed and Breakfast, we were delighted to find our rooms had an excellent view of the iconic light house.
What could be more perfect for our next day's venture than a drive along the southwest coast of Nova Scotia!
Being one who loves colour, I was awed to see so many colourful buildings dotting the landscape, as a part of the costal communities.
Passing by Mahone Bay, we learned it was once a safe haven for pirates and privateers. We just missed the pirate festival that was held the previous weekend.
This being my first visit to Lunenburg, I thought it was a truly postcard perfect Maritime town with its quaint architectural style and colourful buildings, its smells of salt, sea and all.
Housed in brightly-painted red buildings, our short tour of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic reminded us of their fishing heritage and the many lives lost at sea, sometimes every member of a family.
Next, a refreshing pause for seafood at the Old Fish Factory Restaurant and Ice Bar, with Debi and Mark giving the chef an A+ for their delicious calamari.
Back for another restful night at our B&B. Enjoying another of Judy's delicious breakfasts, and Dan's dry humour, we reluctantly said our goodbyes. More exploring and picture-taking around Peggy's rocky cove, then off on our journey through Nova Scotia to Cape Breton Island, our destination for today.
On a menu placemat at the Sou' Wester Restaurant at Peggy's Cove...
"The fog comes and goes at will. Don't begrudge it. Wish instead that you were as free."
"A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles."
— Tim Cahill
Stay tuned, there's more chapters of our Maritime Saga yet to come.
— beulah
As vacation time rolls around each year, who doesn't look forward with great anticipation, to that long-awaited trip or, to those sunny, lazy, hazy days at the lake or seaside.
My daughters and I have been planning for months, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — an upcoming visit to my childhood homeland.
WestJet will safely land us in Halifax, where we will begin our motor trek through Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island and ending up in my home province, New Brunswick, to visit family and friends.
Some of the highlights we will enjoy will be Peggy's Cove, the quaint town of Baddeck, and the fertile, pristine province of Prince Edward Island — especially the Anne of Green Gables area — where warm memories of my honeymoon with Nels, still linger.
Though I have returned to these special haunts several times over the years, much will be new for my daughters, as they were just teens on their last visit East.
I will enjoy seeing it all anew, through their eyes, and will be awed with their responses as they greet several of their "grown-up" cousins, sharing a family bond of affection.
As I travel, I always anticipate the joy of meeting someone new, often someone with a kindred spirit, and always with the intent of "scattering a few seeds of love" to those I meet.
Unfortunately, since I am travelling in the opposite direction, I cannot assist hitchBot, the hitchhiking robot, who is attempting to make his whirlwind adventure from Halifax to Victoria. Relying on the kindnesses of strangers, with its computerized brain, it carries on conversations and hopes to collect stories as it goes.
People seem concerned as to whether we can trust robots, but the question is, can robots trust humans? We will find out.
May he reach his destination safely as I pray I will reach mine. To those of you who follow my blogs, I will be taking a brief hiatus.
There's a cliche that says, "Time flies when you're having fun."
Posting on my blog as I travel probably won't happen, as I intend to savour every placid lake and field of daisies that I pass along the way, being so aware that time passes all too quickly.
With God as our navigator and Mark Harvey, (my son-in-law) who is accompanying us behind the driver's wheel, we will be headed in the right direction, finding our way and staying on course.
Happy summer, everyone!
— beulah
Listening to the news coming across the airwaves these days, one could easily live in a constant state of fear and despair.
Do we not, many times, feel like the prophet, Habakkuk, who said,"O Lord, how long must I call for help before you will listen? I shout to you in vain; there is no answer. 'Help! Murder!' I cry, but no one comes to save. Must I forever see this sin and sadness all around me? Wherever I look there is oppression and bribery and men who love to argue and to fight. The law is not enforced and there is no justice given in the courts, for the wicked far outnumber the righteous, and bribes and trickery prevail."
— Habakkuk 1: 2-4 (The Living Bible)
Jesus, himself, said,"You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." (Matthew 24:6-7)
This year marks the 100th anniversary of World War One. Canada, being a part of the British Empire in 1914, was automatically at war when Great Britain declared war on Germany, in August, 1914.
With the assassination of the Archduke of Sarajevo, and his wife, triggering what was dubbed as the 'Great War,' many later questioned the purpose of it all. This fight against evil was supposed to have been, "the war to end all wars."
However, we know the deeds of men cannot thwart God's purposes, and He will ultimately right all wrong. His Plan will happen and be right on schedule.
Recently, at church, we were encouraged to
1. Pray Big, Bold Prayers; 2. Dream Big; 3. Act Big.
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| Pastor Joe Wright |
It reminded me of the true story of a minister named, Joe Wright, who was asked to open the session with prayer, at the Kansas Senate.
Everyone was expecting the usual, politically correct generalities, but instead, heard a stirring, passionate prayer, calling the country to repentance.
The immediate response: A number of legislators walked out during the prayer, in protest.
Six short weeks later, the Central Christian Church in the area, received more than 5,000 phone calls, with only 47 negative responses. International requests for copies of the prayer came from India, Africa and Korea.
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| Commentator Paul Harvey |
Commentator Paul Harvey aired the prayer on "The Rest of the Story" and received the largest response than any other program he has ever aired!
Should we not be praying 'more boldly' for those leaders who have authority over us?
Consider Joe Wright's powerful, bold prayer.
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says,'Woe on those who call evil good,' but that's exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess that: We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism. We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn children and called it a choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbours' possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honoured values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the centre of Your will. I ask it in the name of Your Son, the living Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen."
"God is our refuge and strength... He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth... Be still and know that I am God."
— Psalm 46: 1, 9, 10
— beulah
What is there about babies that makes us smile? Many stop everything at the sight or sound of a baby, just to gaze at the little wonder. Such was the case, when, earlier in June, I hosted a strawberry tea for fourteen senior ladies.
My very, new great-grandchild, Melissa Noelle, came by for an unexpected visit. Seeing a baby, reminds us of the wonders of a new life — so precious, tiny and full of promise.
It truly brought a 'spark of joy' to the eyes of my senior friends. As this great grandma feasted her eyes on the beauty and perfection of the latest addition to our family, I was over-whelmed with the realization that only a mighty God could lovingly create such an intricate, marvel of perfection. How wonderful to realize we are "fashioned by the Father."
"For you created my inmost being (the innermost centre of conscious life), you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
— Psalm 139: 13-14
Another 'surprise blessing' was mine one Saturday morning recently, when a phone call came asking if I wished to accompany my other great granddaughter, Evelyn Jane, for a visit to the Kangaroo Creek Farm Critters in Lake Country, a few miles from Kelowna.
I was delighted to accept, as kangaroos are animals I have always found most fascinating. Visiting there is an incredible experience for both young and old.
First off, at the joey station, we were allowed to take a turn cuddling the wee ones, (babies are called joeys), wrapped in a little blanket — a big hit with all ages.
Throughout the grounds, kangaroos and wallabies jumped about, or lay quietly in the shade. We were given tiny tree branches and allowed to feed the leaves to the animals.
To keep the kangaroos company, the owners, Caroline MacPherson and husband Greg Wightman (often dubbed "Roo Man"), has added other delightful animals and birds; peacocks; emus; parrots; baby goats; pot-bellied pigs; Big-Turk — an ugly but sweet, huge turkey strutting his stuff; Irwin, the albino wallaby, pink with pinkeyes; and the world's largest rodent (capybara), weighing up to 150 pounds.
Imagine the delight of Evie, a not-quite three-year-old, who is learning about all the many treasures of this wonderful world. Eyes that have not seen the world as ours have — so eager to explore! I highly recommend a visit there, "to pet a roo or to hold a joey."
To spend time with my dear, sweet, precious great-granddaughters, was a lovely, unexpected, summertime serendipity.
Children are a special gift from God and we are to treasure them as God intended us to do. They can teach us much.
Children, children, children! Noisy, rowdy, spirited! The whole house rings and echoes with their cries, their shouts of glee, Their sudden bursts of anger, shrieks of pain, convulsive sobbing when they've lost a toy, or argument. And then, what radiant smiles through tears, like rainbows in the rain. Children! Little bursts of energy and naughtiness, And cuddly mites who nestle on your lap and smile and sleep.
— Unknown
— beulah
Soccer enthusiasts have kept their eyes glued to the T.V. screen during the one-month-long, series of games at the 2014 Fifa world Cup, held in Brazil.
As we in Canada, learned from hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic games, the power of sports to unite and inspire can be strong. Patriotism and a deeper love for our country often results.
Germany won the World Cup, defeating Argentina at the Grand Finale, estimating over a billion people were watching.
Earlier in the semi-final games, suffering through a humiliating defeat by Germany, Brazil's eager fans endured a major blow to their pride and enthusiasm.
Even the cute but ugly armadillo, their mascot named "fuleco furor" couldn't save the day!
A news clip showed "Christ the Redeemer" statue, arms outspread, as if reaching across the city, comforting the disappointed and disillusioned fans.
I am told, this statue, one of the tallest of Christ in the world, is atop Corcovado Mountain, over-looking the city of Rio de Janeiro. It stands 30 metres tall, with arms spreading 28 metres, and weighs 635 tons.
It is visible day or night from almost anywhere in the city.
The Bible tells us, Christ is not only the Redeemer of mankind, but is also the Creator of the universe.
Just as the Brazilians are constantly reminded of their Redeemer, I, too, am reminded of my Creator, as I, from my patio, look across to the hills.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
— Psalm 121: 1-2
— beulah
"I heard about some people who were singing for the Lord, so I packed up my car and I got onboard. I headed down the road to old Enderby and the Country Gospel Jamboree."
Occasionally, we find ourselves in that moment,
where we feel we are experiencing something akin to what we imagine heaven might be like.
Such was the case last weekend, as seven of us, Florence, my out-of-town guest and some family members, attended the Southern Gospel Jamboree in Enderby/Grinrod.
What a great way to get — Refreshed, Renewed, Revived!
Though this annual event, "Singin' Good News" is in its seventeenth year, it was my very first. I learned it's a place where "old friends meet and new friends greet." It is located in a lovely, country setting at Birch Meadows Farms, hosted by owners June and Harvey Sawatzkys.
Harvey once enjoyed a medical practice in the Enderby area, and upon retirement began stabling and registering Morgan horses.
The spacious indoor riding arena — transformed into a large stage with sound and music equipment, and lots of seating arrangements — was an excellent facility for the weekend-long concerts. Each year, a variety of musical guests present the Good News of the Gospel in word and song.
It was a treat to hear such talent as Jack Jackson, from Calgary, with his 'genuinely country' style, Garry Jespersen's ability on the saxophone, and the Good News Quartet with their unique harmony of voices. The Freedom Singers' amazing story of their near death experience, when as teenagers, they became stowaways, fleeing from Romania on a ship bound for Canada. They inspired us with a reminder that God is still in control of a world gone mad.
There are still those who are willing to sacrifice their lives, rather than compromise their faith. The Freedom Singers' story of God's miraculous intervention, is told in their book, The Price of Freedom — a great read.
The Keepers of the Faith singing group, (a father and three sons of Samoan heritage), moved from Hawaii with their goal as a travelling ministry, "to make sure what we do and say has changed our hearts first."
Impressed with their sincerity and dedication, they were my favourite.
The Sunday morning church service with Pete Unrau's sermon topic, The Real Gospel Results in Real Life Change, was the icing on the cake!
He reminded us,"God is looking for the real deal," and "God is more concerned in what direction we are going than where we are right now."
For a "singin' good time" and a "great spiritual uplift," I heartily recommend it for next year.
A stop at the Log Barn, Armstrong location, enroute, was an added bonus to our weekend. Much to see and taste: goats walking across a bridge, prehistoric dinosaurs, masses of hanging flower baskets, unique gifts, and a country store filled with Mennonite sausage, cheese, pies, jams and jellies. It was truly a great summer time weekend!
— beulah
Straight off, I am admitting this is a subject that has long-since bothered me. Forgive me for finally giving vent to my feelings.
I believe, that today, the most over-used word in the English language is the word,"sexy."
Just listen to a few T.V. commercials – even telephone books are 'sexy,' while certain hockey teams are 'not sexy.' Without a doubt, we are living in the sex era, bombarded by sex innuendos at every turn.
Don't get me wrong! I am not a prude. But, I have lived through a few decades, and have witnessed many changes in our society, good and bad.
So what's the big deal? The idea of sex is not a new thing, discovered by this "now generation." It's been around since creation itself. God, our Creator, invented it!
After making man in His own image, He said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper, suitable for him...and they will become one flesh" — Genesis 2: 18, 24.
I believe God intended sex to be a beautiful experience for our enjoyment, enhancing proper relationships, and not for procreation only, but a part of a greater love calling on our lives. Our society glorifies sex to where it has lost much of its original, beautiful meaning in relationships. Instead, it has often been degraded to something akin to 'smutty' —merely something to 'lust after.'
Our daily news often tells of yet, another attempted rape. Realizing just how far we have gotten 'off track' in 60 years, is disturbing, as I have watched subtle and not so subtle changes taking place.
We ask ourselves, "How has a society that was once founded on biblical principles, lost its focus?" What once were suggestive jokes in the 1970's, are today "unabashedly fully demonstrated." No longer wholesome, family values from the days of John Wayne, Pat Boone or the Brady Bunch.
Coming into our living rooms are explicit and suggestive scenes (at any hour of the day, I might add), from our "awesome" Hollywood entertainment, celebrating lifestyles void of morality. We learn Hollywood no longer abides by any restraint when it comes to infiltrating programs with provocative content, meanwhile attempting to take over our society and eradicate Christian values.
Have we become so accepting of our culture, that we are desensitized to the immorality and ungodliness surrounding us? What are we allowing to fill up the space in our own control centre —the mind? Are we aware of the pressures put on us to lower our moral standard?
I learned that one of the movies nominated for an Oscar, The Wolf of Wall Street, contained more than 500 utterances of a word that begins with the letter F. How can one call that creativity? Rather, it is an insult to our intelligence.
Christian filmmaker and actor, David A.R. White (whose new feature film is God's Not Dead), says, "Sex sells and evil is tempting."
So, what message is this giving to our children? A survey taken, revealed 15 per cent of students in Grades 7 to 11, say they are involved in sexting — sending messages and pictures to their friends.
We already know sad stories of youth who were not aware of the dangers of improper use of the internet. Desperate for other's approval, many teens are looking for love and attention, in all the wrong places.
Franklin Graham states, "Removing God-consciousness from society has given way to self-gratification, chasing after the sin which so easily ensnares." (Hebrews 12:1)
God established the standard of living for the world He created. How wonderful that His standards never change! We, as God's people, need to be serious about being light in the dark places, meanwhile, guarding our own hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:7)
Being self-controlled, let us think and meditate on..."whatever is true, noble, just, pure and lovely." (Philippians 4:8)
"So I've come straight to the point! I guess I never did find that 'bush' I'm supposed to beat around."
— beulah
The vacation that was... someone once said, "The best trips like the best love affairs, never really end. They remain a beautiful memory." 
This being my first visit to Lunenburg, I thought it was a truly postcard perfect Maritime town with its quaint architectural style and colourful buildings, its smells of salt, sea and all. 
