The sweet fragrance of Christ

     

     

     I've heard it said, “Your smile is the front porch of your heart. Let it be warm, welcoming and bright.” 

     Smiling comes easily for me. I like to smile. 

     Perhaps its because of the saying I’ve often heard, “Keep smiling and people will wonder what you’re up to!” 

     I try to be the first to offer my smile to strangers. Who knows? It just might help someone realize they are noticed and acknowledged. 

     Recently, I experienced what I like to call another “serendipity” at my “coffee haunt” —Walmart’s MacDonald's. Enjoying one of their tasty and pretty decent coffees, I gain that needed energy for grocery shopping later on. 

     Another chance meeting, this time with a lovely couple, Jerry and Helen from Calgary. They were visiting our fair city, celebrating their wedding anniversary. 

     I was a little ‘taken aback’ when acknowledging me with his forthright question, Jerry asked if I was a Jesus-follower. Receiving my positive answer, we immediately sensed a warm, mutual bond that exists when sharing the same Spirit — Jesus’ Spirit, making us indeed, brothers and sisters in Christ. 

     Sharing information about ourselves came easily, and it soon seemed as if we had always known each other. 

     I wonder if heaven will be like that. Imagine having eternity to get to know all our many brothers and sisters that will be there from across the world! 

     Lately, while spending some quiet moments in the Word, this verse grabbed my attention — “Thanks be to God, who … uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians: 2:14). 

     I thought, “Could it be possible my new friends sensed a pleasing fragrance of Christ emanating from my persona?" 

     Enjoy the following delightful short story from my favourite Daily Bread booklet: 

     “A lady was visiting a small village in Dover, England. 
Sitting outside a cafe enjoying a cup of tea, she became aware of a beautiful scent. 
She asked a waiter where it was coming from, and was told it was the people passing by. 
Most of the villagers were employed at a nearby perfume factory. 
Walking home from their day’s work, they carried the fragrance that had permeated their clothes out into the streets.”  

     How can I be permeated with the sweet fragrance of Christ, carrying it out into the streets wherever I go? 

     I believe it will depend on my spiritual condition, as to what kind of aroma I will be sending forth. The more time I spend developing my relationship with Jesus, the more I will automatically wear His fragrance — which is always pleasing and beautiful! 

     Then, others will sense the spiritual aroma of Christ, an aroma that brings life, radiating from my personality. It will be evident as I engage in Christ-like service through words and deeds. 

     How amazing would that be, if people could observe me and say, “I see Jesus in you!” 

     So, parting with my new friends, warm hugs were exchanged, and promises to keep in touch via e-mail or telephone calls. I felt I had once again experienced a God-arranged encounter — knowing He always has His reasons for every person He chooses to bring across my path.     

     Spring has sprung! The warm, sunny days are slow arriving, but evidence of new life is everywhere. 

     

     Vancouver has been enjoying their yearly Cherry Blossom Festival, March 30 to April 23. For more than 60 years, Vancouverites have celebrated each spring, with the flowering plum and cherry trees lining streets and gracing parks — showing off their fragile beauty. 

     

     It is mainly a two-week period when the most beautiful and exciting cherry blossom moments are captured. 

     What gorgeous fragrances must be hovering over those abundant blossoms.    

    “There is no stranger under the cherry tree.” 

— Kobayashi Issa 

  

     Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, 2017.  

     Something to think about…. "How has the world changed since that first Earth Day in 1970?"    

— beulah 

Expectant for Easter

     The beautiful season of Easter is with us once again. 

     
     As a young child, I waited expectantly for Easter, as it seemed to usher in sunny, warmer days, hinting of spring after a long and sometimes harsh winter.

     Attending Easter services at our country church was always on our family’s priority list. 

  
     A new spring outfit was a must, if finances allowed, complete with a colourful, matching hat and gloves, then very much in vogue. 

     The day began with us kids challenging each other at breakfast, to see who could eat the most eggs, cooked in various ways. 

     Our own flock of hens did their diligence the week previous, as they regularly supplied our needs. 

     The chocolate, creamed-filled eggs were scarce at our house, but I don’t recall even missing them. 

     Over the years, Easter and its significance has become increasingly more meaningful to me. 

     I always feel I need to pause, and in my thoughts, consider the events of that first Good Friday before skipping to the triumphal Sunday. 

     As a child, I was somewhat bewildered as to why that awful day was called “good.” 

     Later, I began to understand that God allowed His perfect Son to die for the sake of every wrong thing I have ever done, said, or thought. 

     He did it to save me from the death I deserve. 
     
     I recall my dad reading the Bible to me from Romans 6:23  — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

     From the time sin entered that perfect world in the Garden of Eden, a God who hates sin, had to devise a plan. My dad reminded me I was part of that plan and to embrace the gift. 

     So, yes, Good Friday was necessary and lives up to its name. I began to understand. Though I cringe each time I visit in my mind Jesus’ agony hanging there on that awful cross, I say,"What an awesome, loving, unselfish act!" 

     As we study the most popular religions of the world, we become aware that no provision is made for the forgiveness of sins apart from Jesus Christ. A centurion who witnessed Jesus’ death declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 

     I hope many skeptics this Easter will stop to examine the evidence concerning Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The change that has taken place in people’s lives who believe in Jesus, is undebatable and proof in itself. 

     Consider these words of Bill Bright — “I have yet to meet a person who has honestly considered the overwhelming evidence concerning Jesus of Nazareth who does not admit that He is the Son of God."        

     

     I am beginning my fifth consecutive year of posting on my blog, having begun this adventure in March, 2013. 

     The last blog post was my 200th. 

     I consider it a privilege to regularly post an assortment of my thoughts, be they — memories of my past, views on various subjects, ideas, comments on current events, my daily or weekly ministry experiences, or family happenings.  

     

     I'm so grateful for my editor-son, Dave, with his photographer’s eye and journalist abilities, faithfully helping to present my stories in an eye-catching and readable way. 

     I hope to continue blogging until my "manager" tells me otherwise. A big thank you to all my faithful readers.  

     Some reflections on Easter...."He is not here; He is risen, just as He said."  — Matthew 28:6     

     "Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." 

— Martin Luther   

     Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"   

     Springtime, bringing its promise of new life, seems the appropriate time to celebrate Easter with all its beauty and meaning. 

     Why is it that one billion Christians around the world still gather to mark the event that happened 2000 years ago? 

     What we celebrate at Easter is the foundation of our christian faith — the day Christ rose from the dead, confirming our belief that — "because He lives, we shall live also." 

     Someone likened Easter to a wake-up call, to a beautiful day and a wonderful way of life, but we need to ask ourselves whether Christ is now living in us.  

     "Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, 'Christ is risen' but, 'I shall rise.'"  

— Phillips Brooke  

     Recently, my pastor closed his sermon with the following, known as the Apostles' Creed — a concise summary of christian beliefs widely used in many christian churches.  

     Note: It is called "Apostles' Creed," but not because the apostles wrote it. Churches in many different regions were involved in its development. 

     Also, the word "catholic" means "worldwide" or "universal." 

     Knowing what we believe about God, makes us stronger in our faith. 


What does the Creed say?  

     I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was  conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.         

"We live and die; Christ died and lived!"  — John Stott

— beulah

Zoom, zoom: Time to stop and re-fuel

      

     I believe, I have always had this mindset, “No matter how you feel — get up, dress up and show up!”

     But lately, as I wake up and look into the mirror I see an image looking like my driver’s licence picture. Aghast, I say out loud, “Who in the world is that? I didn’t invite her to my home, did I?” 

     Then the full-length mirror, which seems to always reveal absolute truth, gets in my way! 

     You see, the last three weeks my system has been dealing with an ugly and difficult throat virus, and so I haven’t felt or looked like my usual self. 

     

     I'm grateful that I have had to deal with few colds or sicknesses over the years, which I attribute to my strong immune system. Thanks to my years of imbibing Xango — a mangosteen juice supplement — and Juice Plus, my fruit and vegetable supplements, along with being aware of proper eating habits. 

     But sometimes, in spite of all that, a hard lesson comes our way— like constant use of our trusty vehicle without stopping for reinforcements, likewise our body can react the same way, with a warning — time to stop and re-fuel. 

     My aging body began to rebel after at least 10 consecutive, busy days filled with non-stop activity and responsibilities. 

     It may be that at times I just prefer to ignore, or even forget, the season of life which I’m now in. 

     So, I’ve been wondering…"What if any wisdom have I acquired after ‘doing life’ this long?” 

     Could it be: 

• Remembering to frame every so-called disaster with these words, “In two years, will this even matter?”  

• Remembering I’ve had a lifetime of seeing God provide for me.

• Knowing I’m not afraid of tomorrow — because I know God is already there. 

• Needing to feel the peace in my soul, as I sit back feeling loved by family and friends, and aware that I am His. 

• Aware that I am planting seeds of love, respect and faith — leaving a worthwhile legacy.   

     A few weeks ago while taking my sister to her doctor’s appointment, we encountered two individuals who we learned were facing different but equally difficult and trying health concerns. 

     

Merle Robertson

 Upon exiting the elevator, we noticed an older gentleman in a motorized wheelchair awaiting a taxicab. 

     Merle, (my only living and very dear sister) has always found it easy to be a friend to all — including strangers.  

     Asking how his day was going, the man's immediate reply was, “Terrible!” 

     Merle’s kind response was, “Then you need a hug,” which she respectfully delivered.  

     The stalwart appearance of this gent caused me to feel that an army general could have been his profession. 
     He offered, “These darn strokes are terrible!” 

     Leaving him with our farewell greeting and our silent prayers, we saw a once vibrant life, now imprisoned in a body with a new dependence on others to fulfill his next need. 

     We moved on, meeting our friend Yolanda at MacDonald’s — one of our favourite coffee joints. Friendly conversations soon began with a nice, young man nearby.  

     We discovered he'd recently had a brain (cancer) operation, and had just returned from a chemo session. Being a young father — probably in his 30s — with two young children, he seemed to be “facing life straight on.” 

     His proclaimed faith and future outlook was refreshing. Willingly sharing his concerns, he shared that he felt it was a “God thing” that he met up with these three praying grannies — as he asked us to keep him in our prayers. 

          Kevin left us, but not before giving a special hug to his three, new friends which he called, “the golden girls.” 

Popular sitcom The Golden Girls, portrayed four previously married women living together in Miami, sharing their experiences and enjoying themselves despite hard times.

     Continuing through life, I am learning there are no ordinary people. We were all created to be unique. 

     I am also learning that when we help or hurt one another, the One who loves us takes it personally. 

     “… I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”  

—Matthew 25:40 

     I am also learning there are consequences for our words.  

     Here's an interesting excerpt from Our Daily Bread.

     "On a crowded London commuter train, an early morning rider shoved and insulted a fellow passenger who got in his way. 
It was the kind of unfortunate and mindless moment that usually remains unresolved. 
But later that day, the unexpected happened. 
A business manager sent a quick message to his social media friends, 'Guess who just showed up for a job interview.' 
When his explanation appeared on the internet, people all over the world winced and smiled. 
Imagine walking into a job interview only to discover that the person who greets you is the one you had shoved and sworn at earlier that day."    

     

     “Set a guard over my mouth O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”   

— Psalm 141:3

— beulah

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