Dear Liza, there's a hole in my bucket list

     

     Last week I had an occasion, when, for a few short minutes, I felt very pleased with myself. 

     Walking into our local blood donor clinic, I was prepared to give the gift of life — my blood! 

     

     This being on my bucket list for sometime now, here I was, finally being obedient to my conscience. The nudge came last Sunday from my pastor’s sermon. 

     Recently, the pastors at my church have been giving a series of messages from the practical book of James. The recent theme happened to be on faith. 

     I heard Pastor Tim read these words: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 
If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” 

     Wow! It made me stop and consider how well I was doing on that subject. 

     

     Resting on the assurance of God’s Word that we are justified, (declared righteous) before God by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet it seems obvious genuine faith will produce good deeds.

     That’s just the way it’s suppose to work. 

     Pastor Tim then presented two practical ways we hearers could become doers — helping and blessing some of our valuable community helpers. 

     One way, was to donate life-giving blood to our much-needed blood bank. The other, by tossing our coins into a bucket, it would pay for complimentary coffees for the doctors and nurses at our local hospital — a small thank you for their tireless efforts in serving us. 

     So, back to my blood donating experience. 

     Feeling that I am a healthy, though an older donor, (now no age restrictions apply) I was expecting my gift to be readily received. But as they heard of my colorectal (cancer) surgery two years ago — even though I received no chemotherapy treatments — I learned I cannot be a donor for three more years, five years in total. 

     Hmm. I began to reason with myself, “How old will that make me? Maybe by then I just won’t feel like getting out of bed that day, to keep that donor appointment!” 

     Time will tell. Meanwhile, upon their gracious suggestion — no doubt seeing my disappointment — I may consider being a different kind of volunteer at our local blood donor clinic. 

     I believe it is the quiet work we do in the lives of people that will live long after we are gone. 

     I know there are many opportunities to help our fellow-travellers along this highway we’re all on, called life. 

     As I remember whose child I am, it should then be my natural response to reach out to others in love. Not so that God will add brownie points to my name, but that I just might become a little more fashioned in His image. 

     Matthew’s gospel (Matt. 25:40) reminds me, “The King will say, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers (or sisters) of mine, you did for me.'"

     

Is this what you mean, Lord? ...
     I just returned from bringing my neighbour home from an emergency hospital visit, having taken her there six hours earlier. 

     Strange, but my decision to miss church today, really wasn’t my decision after all. Hedy needed me!  

     “In my heart I planned the course of my day, but the Lord determined my steps.” — Proverbs 16:9 (my paraphrase)

— beulah

His, will be done: an open letter to the 45th President of the United States

     

     “For God is the King over all the earth… God reigns over the nations.”  

— Psalm 47:7-8   

     Recently, I found myself thinking, what if we could go back to the days when the world seemed smaller, when we didn’t immediately hear of all the disheartening problems facing us and other nations. 

     On the spot news reporting and social media connects us instantly to the ongoing dramas of life surrounding us — from the insane persecutions happening in faraway Syria, to the next-door murder at an overnight brawl. 

     We know we must face the fact that we are indeed living in the land of “what is”  — not “what if.”  

     The news helps us as concerned citizens to be aware of world events and political decisions made that influence every facet of our lives. 
     Then, being informed, if for no other good reason, we can pray for those in authority over us and for our very troubled world. 

     The unsettling events happening in our neighbouring country to our south, keep us Canadians in an on-going state of concern. 

     

     On January 20th, at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as their nation’s 45th president. 

     The unbelievable results of an unusual campaign, which preceded his inauguration, left many in a state of bewilderment and in some situations, fear.  

     The following is my letter to the American President, releasing some of my strong feelings.   

     Dear Mr. Trump:  

     As good citizens, we are admonished in God’s Holy Word, to submit ourselves to those who have governing authority over us. 
This may not seem to be happening by many in your country right now, though I believe it is the desire of the majority of your constituents. 
     However, I also believe that because every human being bears the image of God, all deserve proper respect regardless of race, colour or creed. 
Many, it seems, are not experiencing that from you. 
Your honourable position of leadership demands you set a proper example, showing kindness, forgiveness, and acceptance towards all. 
     Mr. Trump, even for your own success, you need to show a spirit of brokenness and humility, instead of a spirit of revenge. 
Show real humanness, feel penitent, and admit your wrong while asking forgiveness from those you have wounded. 
In my books, that shows real strength of character and goodwill. 
     Because you are a very wealthy man, King Solomon’s wise words may be difficult for you to grasp — “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” — Proverbs 22:1 
     King Solomon also reminds — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1  
     My prayer for you, Mr. Trump, is that God will guard you from folly and stupid decisions that would demean your position, as well as stupid remarks that stir up hate, damaging others and the great country you serve. 
     This is not a reality T.V. show, Mr. Trump. 
Although you have already had to say, “You’re fired” to one of your staff, you really wouldn’t want to hear those words directed to you from those upright and responsible citizens you now serve. 
     I firmly believe God will hold you accountable for all of your words and actions, as He will with all of us. 
And just one more admonition, Mr. Trump. 
Try smiling more. 
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart.” — Proverbs 15:30   
     And, also Mr. Trump, why not seek out some mighty sound wisdom yourself from one of the wisest rulers that ever lived. By now, you know where to look! 
     Should we not ask God for a miracle, that somehow Trump and Congress would be directed in such a way that decisions will result in the common good?   
  
     

     "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions  prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all the people.” 

— 1 Timothy 2:1-6 

— beulah

Walking the road of life

     

     Some wise soul aptly stated, “Growing older is like slowly going up in an airplane. The horizon gets wider and wider as we look down on the earth, as things become smaller and of much less importance in the panoramic view of our souls.”  

     I can attest to that, as each year I add another to my fast accumulating birthday number. There are others older, yet – I am old. 

     At least I am beginning to feel so with each passing year, and we all know mirrors don’t lie! Of course, it also depends on our perspective.      Two of my very dear friends, home-bound much of the time, both in their late 90s, yet still show forth a victorious, happy contentment in the Lord. What an example they are to me! 

     I felt honoured and truly blessed this birthday as I keenly read and responded to the many greetings I received on Facebook. 

     I loved hearing from so many, – a pupil I taught years ago in my Preschool, my kids’ teenage friends from early church days, some with gracious comments as to the positive influence I had on them — truly warming my heart. 

     “To be blessed," I’ve learned, is to experience the favour of God and people. 

     My first delight of the day was a phone call from Eva, my dear friend just shy of 97, singing me “Happy Birthday.” 

     The day progressed with more singing messages, texts, snail mail surprises, calls from relatives in N.B., ending with a delightful family group dinner of 11 at one of my favourite restaurants. I felt special and wanting to shout, "Dear Old World…You are very lovely and I am glad to be alive in You!” — Anne Shirley of Green Gables. 

     We all know that as we age, much about us will change. For some, changes will be more drastic, arriving too early. 

     Each day, I do awake with a thankful heart, that my woes are presently at a minimum. 

     The following is someone’s humorous description of “why older people behave as they do”.   

     “Brains of older people are slow because they know so much. People do not decline mentally with age, it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information stored in their brains, scientists believe. 
Much like a computer struggles as the hard drive becomes full, so too humans also take longer to access information. 
Researchers say this slowing down is not the same as cognitive decline. 
The human brain works slower in old age, said Dr. Michael Ramscar, but only because we have stored more information over time. 
The brains of older people do not get weak. 
On the contrary, they simply know more, but may not be able to access the information. 
Also, older people often go to another room to get something and when they get there, they stand there wondering what they came for.  
Relate anyone? Not sure how much of the above is 'fact' but a little 'comforting.'"  

     A story was told of a conversation between a Reverend and an elderly lady, one of his parishioners. He suggested, considering her age, she should start being concerned about the “hereafter.” 
She abruptly answered, “Oh Reverend, I am! I am! Every time I go to the next room for something, I say, 'Now what am I, hereafter?'”  

     Continuing throughout the stages of old age, I will at times feel bleak, like winter has overtaken my heart. I will need to remind myself that the warmth of summer is always available to me. It’s my choice!   

     

     I like Martin Luther’s encouraging words — “This life is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness. It is not healthy, but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. This is not the end, but it is the road."

— beulah

Living proof

     

     The decision that daughter, Karen, and I made last November did not disappoint us. 

     With our entrance card in hand, we found ourselves last weekend, at a Living Proof Live gathering of 2,500 women at the local arena in Abbotsford. 

     The speaker, Beth Moore — a super-charged woman of faith with her heart for God, her depth of Bible Studies, and the obvious Presence of the Holy Spirit in her life — showed she has been truly gifted by God for her ministry to women. 

     Though her early life was characterized by sinful habits and devastation, it was dramatically transformed! Bible Study became, and still, is her pathway to understanding her life, in Christ and her purpose for existing on this planet. 

     Her full-time ministry for almost 30 years, has been one of encouraging women to rise up from habitual weakness and sin, into a daily, dynamic personal relationship with the God who loves, forgives and empowers His daughters. 

     She reminded us that we are women of honour and dignity because of “Christ in us.” Being weak-willed women attract “creeps of prey,” and benefits no one. She challenged us to challenge the enemy who would keep all women of faith merely weak and decorative. “Sexy is unsustainable as an identity,” she reminded us. 

     “It goes from just inappropriate as we age, to just plain pathetic. We need a replacement identity for sexy.” 

     Increasingly aware of my aging body, I could relate to that. She urged us to switch from being decorative as women to being mighty in Jesus, which looks beautiful on every woman. Substituting sexy as a female identity for savvy, which means— knowing when to speak up and when to clam up, with the wisdom and boldness to do just that. 

     Savvy is the new sexy for women of faith who want to fulfill God’s purposes for them. 

  
     Proverbs 31: 30 says, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” 

     Much of the news these days tell of various demonstrations by women who want their rights respected and their voices heard. Times have changed over the course of history. In Jesus’ time, women were not allowed to be witnesses in court. Yet the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus was Mary Magdalene — God’s choice as a witness in the court of human history! 

     Jesus had great respect for all women, as He showed by conversing with the looked-down-upon Samaritan woman at the well. (John 4:4-26). 

     Men of God have always recognized women’s rights. Carrying on with her theme, Might in Christ Takes Grace and Grit, Moore reminded us that both grace and grit can help us get back up when times are hard and we occasionally fall. 

     

     Prior to our time with Beth Moore, we took part in You Lead with various study topics to choose from. 

     Karen and I — sensing an increased call from God to become more intentional about sharing the hope of Jesus with a lost and dying world — were thrilled to join with Kathy Morales in her session on this very topic. 

     What an encourager, as she shared her own vibrant examples of naturally sharing her faith each day! 

     Morales is presently the women’s leader of the Canadian National Baptist Convention. We were pleased to renew our friendships of earlier days.  

     Women of faith, let’s live out our faith with grit —emboldened, walking with Jesus…one YES at a time!      

     “As you lose your life in me," Jesus said, “you will find it.”   (Matthew 10: 39).   

     Lord, take the life of Your Word and put it in my bones. 

Burn like holy fire in my bones. 

Shake me up, so I can not go back to life the way I was. Raise me to a new life in You. 

Take me to the throne. 

Leave me there alone, to gaze upon Your glory.       

     

Tune in to a live simulcast with Beth Moore on September 16, 2017, at Lifeway.com/LPSimulcast


— beulah

Making accommodations for snow days

     

     “God’s voice thunders in marvellous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth, and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour,’ so that all men he has made may know his work.”   

— Job 37:5-7    

     Okay then, knowing who sends it, and though we think, "... enough is enough!”, we might as well enjoy the quiet, white beauty surrounding us. 

     But during some of our extreme cold and nasty storms, I often thought of the homeless and how they were coping. I am grateful for those organizations, who help, and I try to remember to support them.  

     Awhile ago, I read of how a certain area of Vancouver have a new way in helping the homeless people find nighttime accommodations. 

     A local charity, Raincity Housing, has created specialized benches that convert into temporary shelters. The back of the bench pulls up to create a roof that can shield a person from wind and rain. At night, these sleeping spaces are easy to find because they feature a glow-in-the-dark message that reads: THIS IS A BEDROOM. Sounds like a great idea!  

          Snow days, when school gets cancelled, is always a fun time for kids. 

     Recently, passing a local school, I saw children enjoying their outdoor breaks in the snow, immediately bringing to my mind wintertime memories of my earlier teaching days. At the time, I was teaching kindergarten and later preschool. Helping the young ones take their winter togs off and on, was no small task! 

     This is why I can so relate to the following:  

A teacher was helping one of her Kindergarten students put on his winter boots. 
He asked for help and she could see why. 
Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn’t want to go on. 
By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. 
She almost cried when the little boy said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.” 
She looked, and sure enough, they were. 
It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. 
She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet. 
He then announced, “These aren’t my boots.” 
She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?” like she wanted to. 
Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. 
No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, “They’re my bother’s boots. My mom made me wear ‘em.” 
Now she didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. 
But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. 
Helping him into his coat, she asked, “Now where are your mittens?” 
He said, “I stuffed ‘em in the toes of my boots.” 


     

     I’m sure I found myself in similar situations. 

     Being engaged in the lives of children was a part of God’s plan for my life for which I am forever grateful. Realizing the heavenly value Jesus puts on little children, could I have been directed to a greater career with a more lasting influence? 

     Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me?” Each of us has entered this world as a child. He became one himself. Many children are mentioned throughout the Scriptures. God intervened in the miracle story of the infant Moses, rescuing him from the Nile River for a great future plan. David, a shepherd boy, slayed the great giant and became King even though he seemed an unlikely candidate. Jesus used a boy’s lunch to feed many hungry people. 

     Children never ask to be born. I’ve read that, “130 million are born into this world annually, another 46 million are aborted worldwide. In every continent, they are precious in His sight, even those many who are grief-stricken, innocent victims of war and abuse. 

     Jesus, when asked by his disciples, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” answered…"Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 18: 1-3). 

     As we observe children, we see their simple, child-like acceptance and faith, trusting by nature, helpless, but ready and eager to depend on their loving parent. What a lesson for us!   

     
     In a lighter vein…. 

What Mom Taught Me 

     My mother taught me about time travel…"If you don't straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week.”   

My mother taught me stamina…"You’ll sit there ‘till that spinach is finished.”  

     My mother taught me about the circle of life…"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”  

     My mother taught me about behaviour modification…."Stop acting like your father.”  

     My mother taught me about anticipation…."Just wait until we get home."


— beulah

Honouring my centenarian friend

     Today, as I write, that is exactly what is happening in my home province of New Brunswick, if the Maritime winter weather cooperates for the revellers. 

     My dear brother-in-law, Gordie, (as we lovingly liked to call him) will be showered with much-deserved love and attention for reaching this awesome milestone. 

     

     

     I came to know Gordie when his younger brother, Nelson became a permanent part of my life as I joined the Eagles’ clan. 

     Exactly one year ago this month, I posted a blog honouring Hazel, Gordie’s wife, who passed to her eternal home. 

   It retold the tale of Nels' accompanying Gordie and Hazel on the first part of their honeymoon — as he was returning to Vancouver, and they were going in that direction. 

     It all happened because of Gordie’s generous and loving heart, one of his many attributes.  (You may wish to check it out here.) 

     Psalm 68:6 reads thus  — “God sets the lonely in families,” so we can be cared for and won’t be lonely — (my words). 

     It was God’s initial plan to have each of us born and grow in a family, nurtured to maturity. Much of who we eventually become in life, is because of the influence of our ancestors. 

     Growing up in a rural setting in New Brunswick, the Eagles and Estabrooks families worshipped in the same little, country church. 

     I recall Gordie’s dad, Edgar, faithfully teaching the adult Sunday School class each week, and also singing in the church choir. 

     As a young child, I remembered being awed, when hearing these older men of our community offering their prayers of faith to God.

Edgar and Ella Eagles.

     No doubt Gordie’s dad’s voice was one of them I heard. 

      I was fortunate to see love and faith lived out in many practical ways.

     Gordie was fortunate to have grown up with a mom and a dad, within a large and loving family of nine children. 

     
     
     The seeds of God’s love were obviously deposited early in Gordie’s heart. 

     “One generation will commend your work to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.”

 — Psalm 145:4  

     I believe Gordie learned early that the attitude of one’s heart and the manner of one’s life are what’s most important in getting through life. 

     What words could I use to describe Gordie?            How about: loving, sensitive, humble, helpful, resourceful, peaceful, honest, faithful, and a man of integrity — a true man of God! 

     

Beulah and Gordon during a 2010 visit.

     I shall always remember Gordie for his pure loving, sincere, and welcoming hugs. 

     Each time when Nels and I returned home for family visits, Gordie’s welcome reassured us “we had really come home to family.” 

     Psalm 71:18 says, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”  

     Not to worry, Gordie. That you have already done! 

     

     From what I can see, your children Sandra, Charlene, Stephen and Ron, along with their spouses, have already “picked up the torch” and are busy living and sharing God’s love, even to the “next generation” already. 

     Most of us will not live to be Gordie’s ripe old age of 100. 

     But each day — no matter the length of our life’s span, while we're here — we can be a blessing to those around us, just as Gordie was, and still is.   


— beulah