Ho, Ho, Hold on: Reconnecting and renewing friendships midway through the year

     

     Glancing at the calendar as I write, I see that Christmas is exactly six months away. What a thought! 
     Our lovely June is fast disappearing with summer already upon us. 

     My weekend was a busy one.
      

    "I heard about some people 

who were singing for the Lord, 

so I packed up my car and I got on board. 

I headed down the road to old Enderby, 

and to the Southern Gospel Jamboree.” 

     Actually, six of us girls made our way to Enderby in a mini-van to enjoy this year’s concert, Singing’ Good News. 

     

     What a great way to get — Refreshed, Renewed, Revived!

      Each year, a variety of musical guests present the Good News of the Gospel in word and song. A short stop at the Log Barn, Armstrong location, saw us enjoying our bag lunch in the picnic area. Having attended these concerts for several years already, they have become a favourite of mine. 

     Another weekend delight was a barbecue gathering at Terri and Jim’s home on the lakeshore, overlooking our lovely Okanagan Lake. 

     Our Alpha group that met at church in January, decided to have a get-together to see what has transpired in each of our lives since then. Terri and Jim, who were our leaders, offered to be our gracious hosts. We all seemed to enjoy reconnecting, as we renewed friendships, feeling continued love and concern for each other. 

     My pastor’s Sunday morning sermon reminded me that God knew me at the beginning of all time and already had a role for me to play in His eternal purpose. 

     He chose me, giving me the Great Exchange — my unrighteousness for His righteousness. How wonderful that I am now called “His child!”  

    The following is a true story from the Far East Broadcasting Association which, reaches people with the good news of the gospel through radio in many far-away corners of the earth.  

     “Seven Hindu boys in India, were sitting in a tree — whiling away time, as children often do. 
     One of the boys brought a radio with him and it happened to be tuned in to an FEBC International program. 
'If you’re ever afraid or lonely,' the boys heard the broadcaster say, 'call on the Name of Jesus, and He will help you.' 
     Just then, a neighbourhood woman, known to be demon-possessed, burst out of her house and ran down the street screaming. 
     The boys watched as this scary woman knocked over chairs, garbage cans …anything in her way. 
     As she ran closer to the boys, they panicked. 'Hey, do what they said on the radio,' one of them yelled. 'Call out the Name of Jesus.' 
     Skeptically, the other boys in the tree looked at their friend …but as the crazed woman bore down on them, they turned and shouted in unison: 'Jesus!' Immediately, the woman fell to the ground. 
     The boys stared in amazement and questioned amongst themselves: was the demon-possessed woman, who was now quiet, suddenly changed because of Jesus? 
     Still shaken, the boys contacted the radio station …and the ministry’s team talked to them about Jesus, visited them, brought them Bibles, and kept in touch. 
     Eventually, the seven Hindu boys — who first heard about Jesus through a radio broadcast — committed their hearts to the Lord! 
     

     Each of them was baptized and later attended seminary, with plans to pastor others and lead them to Jesus, in the same way that the radio ministry staff had led them to do so, many years before.”

     How wonderful that the message of Jesus’ love is still being carried to the many corners of the earth. 

    
     When all have had the privilege to “hear,” then Jesus will come back. 

     Praise God!

— beulah

Celebrating family days: June birthday blessings

     

     

     “And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days. . .”

— James Russell Lowell   

     I have always welcomed the month of June. Is it because it is filled with graduations, birthdays (at least in my family), Father’s Day, the entrance of summer with longer days and hopefully sunny ones, and also the beginning of holidays for many? 

     Perhaps my career as a teacher had much to do with my anticipation for its arrival. It was a signal that I was granted two months of holiday time. I seemed to be always ready for it! 

     Now, my thoughts are often with teachers as June arrives. They deserve an extended break. I recently returned from another weekend visit to Vancouver. Learning that my great-granddaughter, Melissa, had included this Gigi on her birthday guest list, how could I ignore such a request? 

     And what a delightful celebration it was!

Grandma Eagles.

Grandpa and Evelyn.

Grandma and Melissa.

Four-year-old Melissa.

     Family togetherness is all-important to Melissa’s family, so this birthday gathering consisted of 11 adults, the two girls making it all of 13 seated around  a lovely birthday table. 

     Four-year-old Melissa is getting to know and love her two sets of grandparents, aunties and uncles, while learning early the importance of the family bond. 

     Sister Evelyn, (seven years old in Oct.) graciously let her little sister be the “star of the day,” carefully assisting as she read each card’s message to her. 

     

Evelyn (right) reads messages in the cards to Melissa.

     I observed our four-year-old Melissa showing poise and sensitivity when hearing that a "Happy Birthday" phone message had arrived from her great Uncle Roger — her somewhat adult response, saying: “Well, that was nice of him!” 

     

     To have the privilege of celebrating birthdays with my great-grands is none other than an extended blessing from my Lord! 

     

Fran 

I think of my best friend, Fran, who in my early adult years, left us early to be with our Lord. 

     She did not get to experience the joy of grandchildren, but I’m sure the “exchange” made up for it. 

     June birthday blessings continue for me. I am looking forward to a birthday dinner at one of our favourite restaurants with granddaughter, Sarah, whose birthday was last weekend also. 

     
     
     Today, became a sombre day for many. Word came, that Canada’s highest court decided (7-2) against the christian university Trinity Western and their request that law societies across Canada accredit graduates of their proposed law school. 
     Losing such a case, the further participation of religious-grounded ideals in Canadian society will bring challenges. The Supreme Court of Canada has struck a blow to religious freedom in Canada by the decision that says, students who graduate from the law program at Trinity Western University would act in a discriminate manner toward LGBTQ rights. 

    Sadly, we are seeing increasingly that religious views are not respected in all areas of Canadian society. What has happened to the commitment of Canada’s founders who made Psalm 72:8 the motto of our land: “He shall have dominion from sea to sea,” and had it carved in stone at the entrance to our Houses of Parliament? 

     It seems our leaders from an earlier generation had respect, somewhat, and honour for God. 

     The following story is told of Rt. Hon. Alexander MacKenzie (1822-1892), Canada’s second prime minister from 1873 to 1878. 
  
     It is an excerpt from a blog post by the late David Mainse.

     “Prime Minister MacKenzie arrived at his office at 7 a.m. each morning. The prophet Daniel, MacKenzie’s political hero, prayed with his window open each day (Daniel 6: 10-13).   
     MacKenzie, with the door open and on his knees, would pray out loud for God’s blessings on Canada for a new day. This was repeated at noon and again before he left for home at 7:00 in the evening. 
     His staff, who were expected to arrive before him in the morning and leave after him at night, would gather around the door to listen to the Prime Minister pray. All Canadians need to know that this may be one of the main reasons why Canada has been so greatly blessed.” 

     However, though often ignored by our national leaders, there is a just God who reigns over the destiny of nations. 

     Jesus said,"In this world you will have have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

— John 16:33

     Recently, I have been reading Max Lucado's book, Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World, which I highly recommend. 

     The following is one of his meditation poems.   

     
Today, I will live today. 
Yesterday has passed. 
Tomorrow is not yet. 
I’m left with today. 
So, today, I will live today. 
Relive yesterday? 
No. I will learn from it. 
I will seek mercy for it. 
But I won’t live in it. 
The sun has set on yesterday. 
The sun has yet to rise on tomorrow. 
Worry about the future? 
To what gain? 
It deserves a glance, nothing more. 
I can’t change tomorrow until tomorrow. 
Today, I will live today. 
I will face today’s challenges with today’s strength. 
I will dance today’s waltz with today’s music. 
I will celebrate today’s opportunities with today’s hope. Today.

— beulah

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire — burn baby burn

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”  

— William Butler Yeats

     Having just returned from my three-day visit to Vancouver, I’m again reminded of one of the reasons Nels and I chose to retire to Okanagan country. 

     I was absolutely amazed at the onslaught of traffic that people battle every day, to and from their workplace. 

     Our city of Kelowna has its share of traffic, especially at vacation time, but of course, nothing compared to the big city, that in our earlier years seemed so peacefully different. 

           

Ashton Brooke Eagles

     

     What a wonderful privilege I had to be a part of the happy celebration of seeing my youngest granddaughter, Ashton Brooke, graduate from the University of British Columbia. 

     Honour Standing with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, the result of much dedication and hard work! 

     

     Each time as I visit University of British Columbia, I am reminded of those earlier years when Nels also attended there, during the fifties. UBC’s beginning was in 1916, their first grad class, with 379 registered students and 34 faculty members. Continuing to grow, by the 1950s UBC had become a top choice for students in British Columbia and beyond. 

     At the first graduation ceremony in 1916, I learned that the first president, Frank Wesbrook, in his speech, encouraged the students to make our world a better place. A century later, the same remarks were echoed to the class of 2018, perhaps carrying even a greater challenge. 

     I like Anne Frank’s encouraging words, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” The University’s motto, I find most interesting: Tuum Est, meaning "it is yours," which to me seems to say, “You can be whatever you want to be. It’s up to you!” 

     

Lisa, her mother Anne and Beulah.

Beulah, Ashton and Roger.

Brayden and sister Ashton.

Lisa, Ashton and Anne.

Beulah, Ashton and Anne.

Ashton dressed for evening celebrations.

Ashton celebrating with cake at her Vancouver home.

     As there are so many choices available in this decade in which we live, Ashton and her fellow graduates’ unforeseen future could be extraordinary! 

     Many believe that it is choice rather than fate which determines where the human journey leads. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it concisely, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” 

     How important then, are the choices we make! Choices that, without a doubt, will shape our destiny. It can be a big scary world out there but, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life,” Mohammed Ali once said.  

     We topped the day off, with a delicious dinner around the table at a Greek restaurant called Minerva’s, with family and a few of Ashton’s favourite friends. 

     Later, our dessert was a delicious cake, served back at Ashton’s apartment, on campus. 

     

Ashton and boyfriend Matteo.

     A highlight was finally getting to meet Matteo, Ashton’s boyfriend. He was a delight, and this Grandma was quite impressed. 

     Another added bonus was meeting up with granddaughter, Krista and great grands, Evelyn and Melissa at a local White Spot for breakfast. 

     Evelyn was granted time off from school, just so she could meet with us, certainly making Grandma Karen’s day!   

     I dedicate the following prayer to all graduates of 2018 and indeed to all of us:

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. 
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.”  

— Prayer of Saint Francis  

— beulah

A heart overflowing with gratitude

     I am glad grandparent’s were a part of God’s plan for His children, even though I was not fortunate to have had such a relationship. 

     I vaguely remember my paternal grandparents Council and Mary Estabrooks occasionally visiting our family when I was very young. I have no memory of ever seeing my mother’s parents. 

     This past week I had the privilege of being part of Grandparent’s Day at our Kelowna Christian School, where daughter Karen, is presently teaching a Kindergarten class. 

     Bringing along the requested Rice Krispie squares, I soon found myself filling the empty chair of a boy Mark’s grandma, who lives in a country too far away. 

     What a joy to make conversation with him. I was amazed as I watched him carefully print on his sheet, answers to questions of what he liked about his grandma. 

     A full day of attendance at school for kindergarteners is now obviously producing some smart and capable kids. 

     Grandparents and children soon began making their way to the auditorium which, quickly filled to overflowing. 

     Classes from Kindergarten to Grade 5 each proudly gave a musical presentation to their doting grandparents. The welcoming words from the principal praised those who had come from a far distance and those who had even postponed travel plans just to attend their grandchild’s special, yearly school event. 

     He said, grandparents are true heroes of the faith — quoting Psalm 78: 4-7, “. . . We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done . . .so the next generation would know them . . .then they would put their trust in God.”  

     My buddy Mark Joseph, told me their school’s motto is “God First, Others Second, Me Third.” 

     What a great message to instil in children early in life. 

     St. Irenaeus — about whom it was said was an eye-witness to Apostle John — stated, “Faith is caught rather than taught.” 

     What a privilege grandparents have to show that faith through their love, prayers and living a godly example. 

          Next week, I will have the joy of seeing my youngest grandchild Ashton Brooke, walk across the stage to receive her hard-earned degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. 

     No doubt more about that in my next blog. 

     How often have we thought, “the world is sending our kids the wrong message!” 

     I was recently quite aghast to hear on the news of a little toddler, a three-year-old, being told by her nursery school provider that the cute sundress she was wearing was not acceptable. Too much bare shoulder showing, thus two inch straps or wearing a shirt underneath was required. What malarky!!!!!!!  

     Let’s let our sweet, little children enjoy their innocence and just be children for as long as they can. 

     I’m concerned, meanwhile, about the obvious lack of brains and warped thinking of those who are teaching and caring for our little ones, tomorrow’s future. 

     Someone by the name of John Gunther (couldn’t find much info on him), late in his life, offered this thought: “All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” 

     Quite a statement, with a small bit of truth in it!

     

     Breakfast, being my favourite meal of the day — and I believe in a healthy one — I’ve been leisurely enjoying it on my patio, of late.

     Basking in the early morning sunshine — feasting on the natural beauty surrounding me and with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I find it natural and easy to connect with the Creator, who just happens to be my Heavenly Father.   

     A question worth asking is, “If everyone behaved and believed like me, would I like the world that came to be, because of it?"

— beulah

Celebrating with friends and family

     

     Another Mother’s Day has come and gone, reminding me of that wonderful adventure of becoming a mother. I still recall the awesome feeling as I tried to grasp the reality of what it all meant. 

     In that era of the '50s our hospital stay lasted a whole week. It meant bringing Karen Joy to our home on Mother’s Day. What a precious Mother’s Day gift it was! 

     Assuming the role of motherhood early in our marriage was not exactly easy, along with learning to become a good pastor’s wife. But as I have looked back many times since then, I now believe God sent us Karen Joy at just the right time. She helped fill the void I was feeling, missing my family and friends I had left behind in New Brunswick. I needed her to help me cope with the severe loneliness. 

     God’s gifts and provisions always arrive at just the right time! 

     Recently, Karen’s siblings, her Auntie Merle and I, all met in Merritt to celebrate one of her special birthday milestones — different ones, arriving from Kamloops, Abbotsford and Kelowna. There was much sharing of love, conversation and good food at the trusty Boston Pizza. 

     

James and Karen at Boston Pizza in Merritt with family on her birthday.

     

     

     She and I occasionally meet at our favourite restaurant for breakfast, my favourite meal of the day. 

     Then, it's the usual shopping, doing necessary errands together. I find I “still” need that Karen Joy in my life, and am so blessed to be living in the same city, and still the recipient of her love and watch-care, as I age. 

     Actually, I am doubly blessed, with daughter number two, Deborah Lynne, who lives nearby also. 

     She, too, is always ready and willing to meet any of my desires and needs. It's the first time she was not around for Mother’s Day, and so a loving text arrived on my phone all the way from Mexico. 

     A mother’s heart is one of care and compassion, as she often places the needs of her children before herself. 

     I like what Isaiah 49:15-16 says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” 

     I think He is saying, “I love you more than your own mother.” 

     As we so often relate to God as our Father, perhaps we forget that within His heart is also the heart of a mother. 

     Jesus, at one time, looked over Jerusalem and lamented deeply,  ". . . how oft have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Luke 13:34). 

     It reminds me of a story about a hen house that had been ravaged by fire. Later, workers found through the cinders and rubble, a mother hen crouching protectively over her little chicks. She had simply wrapped her wings around her children. A true picture of the mother’s heart of our God. 

     Recently, I was given the privilege of assisting Karen with a Mother’s Day Tea for her kindergarten class which, she is presently teaching. I willingly filled a tall order, baking four dozen muffins, orange-cranberry and oatmeal date. 

     What a joy to be a part of the activity as the children welcomed and served their mothers — later giving a delightful drama presentation. It's so reminiscent of my earlier years in a similar teaching situation. 

     I’m told, historian Thomas Andrew Bailey once strayed a little from his main subject and wrote, “There must surely be such a thing as a child of average abilities, but you can’t find a parent who will admit it’s their child. Every parent thinks their child is special and I’m sure God thinks the same about all of us, even the worst of us… only He’s more likely to be right.” 

     But, every child "is" special and a true gift from God. Seeing the pride and love shown by those mothers — did my heart good!  

     My spirit was lifted one day last week, as my sis Merle, and friend Elsie and I, found our way up the long winding road that leads to the Sutherland Hills Care Home. 

     Our friend Marie, has to deal with many health issues on a daily basis. As always, her gracious spirit seems to lift her above her circumstances of the immediate present, with not a hint of complaining. I’m sure it is, that her eternal perspective gives hope during the difficult times. Realizing her ultimate destiny, she, meanwhile, is given the needed grace. 

     Returning down the long, curving road through the hills, I convinced the girls to stop and share lunch with me — tasty left-overs from a family dinner I had made the previous day. 

     

     How does one react, when told by their doctor that the “cancer word” no one wants to hear, has been found in their bone marrow with no viable treatment?

     My friend Pat’s response — “Something has to eventually take us. So this is the way for me. I’ve had a good life. I’m ready to go. It’s all OK."   

     May I be as peaceful and ready when I am called.

— beulah

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