Be Love

Just for today,
 “Be Love.”

Easier said than done. 

Just when I think I’m a loving person, someone says or posts something and I feel the rage of disagreement well up within me.  Not so loving thoughts appear. I like to think that I’m open minded, but it’s difficult with the extreme polarization that exists today.  

A New Outlook. 

My husband Jim and I took a staycation this past week.  It was wonderful to have some down time, to enjoy being together, relaxing, reading, exercising, and having some of our favorite meals.  During this time, I completed a book titled “Reckless Love” by Tom Berlin.  Berlin reminded me of the power of God.  With God’s help I can become a better lover of people, not like me.  

I started reading the book on vacation because I was discouraged.  My faith is being challenged with my country’s (USA's) political extremes.  Two parties, for the most part, not willing to value each other or listen to one another. People of faith exist on both sides of the isle. How do I come to grips with the fact that I know Christians who are members of different political parties who believe their doing God's Will?

Through Berlin's book I realized that's not the question I should be asking.  Maybe more like, what can I do to be more loving toward people that I don't agree with? Or, how can I be a part of the solution rather then fueling the problem?

The book encourages us to have a relationship with God. To let God take us to places we’ve never been before. 

Berlin mentioned, how Jesus was into experiential learning when it came to his disciples. 

"In many ways, Jesus was reckless. Rather than meet faithful Jews in the synagogue or Temple, Jesus' path took them to outcasts, Gentiles, Roman soldiers, women, people who were physically and mentally ill, and some said to be demon possessed... They saw him rejected by old neighbors of his hometown... Rather than ridicule sinners, he forgave them. When he heard of a man who lived among the tombs who was a danger to himself and others, Jesus got in a boat and went to look for him." - pgs 9-10 of e-book "Reckless Love"

I was reminded that I’m responsible for me and the choices that I make and for my relationship with Christ. To remember why I became a Christian in the first place.  Christ showed how much he loved me by sacrificing his life.  With gratitude, I desire to “Be Love,” with God’s help.  I need God's help and guidance now more than ever.  How about you? 

Also, that once in a relationship with God, if I'm willing to listen, there’s transformation. Berlin lays out some guidance to assist in that transformation, drawing closer to God, to “Be Love.”

Begin with Love
Expand the Circle

Lavish Love
Openhearted Love
Value the Vulnerable
Emulate Christ

If you, too, are struggling with loving others, you disagree with, and would like to experience the transformational power of God, I’d like to invite you to read, “Reckless Love” by Tim Berlin, during Lent this year, either on your own or with a group.  My church, Hope Ministries, will be hosting a Lenten Study on ZOOM, using this book, starting Wednesday, February 24 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm for six weeks.  For more information or to sign up Be Love form. You are welcome to join us.

Hopeful 2021

DarkmoonArt_de - pixabay.com

For many of us this past year has been challenging, but with the start of a new year comes new possibilities. Maybe some of your dreams have been delayed.  Mine has, but I'm hopeful.

This past year started with optimism as my editor, Sylvia Clark and I worked towards completing the first draft of a memoir I’m writing about my Grandpa Joes’ family, before, during and after the Halifax Explosion.  

As the Coronavirus hit and spread earlier in 2020, there were massive shutdowns.  My technical ability was called into service as our church, Hope Ministries, went from meeting in person to online.  I became part of the Media Team.  It’s been hectic, but I feel more connected to our congregation now, more than ever.  Our church family has been supportive and appreciative during this time of physical isolation. 

Taking on new responsibilities left me with less time for writing and research.  My fear was losing valuable time to complete the book. Though progress was slow, I continued to write and do research when time permitted.  As 2020 was coming to close,  I wasn't able to fulfill my dream of completing first draft by its' end.   

With less assistance needed by our church, my writing time has increased exponentially.  This past month, Sylvia and I set up weekly accountability meetings and the pace has quickened.  Upon review of my writing, mixed in with the research, there are more new sections than I realized.  We're optimistic.  The book we're working on, “A Picture on the Wall” is coming to life, with plans to publish by 2022.

Has your dream or goal been delayed?  Do you see it as a possibility in 2021? 

May the new year bring you Hope, Health, Happiness, and many Blessings! 

“Cabin Fever” in November, who’d have thought?

Photo by Antranias on www.pixabay.com

Finding Ways to Cope

Well if I didn’t feel it in April, I’m sure feeling it in November.  How about you?

Sure, it would be better if “Cabin Fever” waited well into winter instead of fall, but if it keeps me and the people I love safe during this pandemic it will be well worth it.

According to en.wikipedia.org, “Cabin fever refers to the distressing claustrophobic irritability or restlessness experienced when a person, or group, is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended time.” 

Some of the things that have helped alleviate this feeling are:

Family and Friends

Spending time with family and friends either on ZOOM or over the phone has been beneficial.  It gives us a chance to see and hear how each of us is doing.  We seem to be more diligent about this now than we ever have.  I'm grateful for family and friends, they fuel my soul.

Learn a new skill  

Photo by FelixMittermeier on www.pixabay.com

Jim and I just started watching a show called “The Queen’s Gambit” about a young woman who is gifted when it comes to the game of chess.  During the last episode, I discovered that you can resign when playing, if there are a lot of moves left, and you know you can’t win.  I’ve played Stratego in the past and been on the receiving end of a slow loss and like the idea of not experiencing that again.  This game of chess could be enjoyable. We’ve order an inexpensive chess set and have started learning about the pieces and how they move.  This will take effort, since my mind tends to see things in reverse, but  I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Exercise

It doesn’t take as much effort as you might think to get 7,000 steps (about 3 miles) a day. Weather permitting, getting outside and taking a walk is a great mood lifter. We’re fortunate to live in an area where it’s easy to walk a mile. The hills in our neighborhood are an added bonus. Another way I can get several steps in is by walking around the house during a phone call.  We have both an exercise bike and a treadmill in our home which get a lot of use. When it comes to exercise equipment, we’ve found it more convenient to exercise at home verses a gym.  

Movie Night

Friday night is movie night. With both of us working from home at the moment it’s important to put the jobs aside and spend time together.  During this together time, we've enjoyed some lesser known films like, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” on Netflix.   We’re looking forward to streaming Christmas specials.

Photo by Cal Shook

Sunsets

We have some of the most beautiful sunsets right out our front facing windows.  I make an effort to remember, as the sun is going down, to walk over and take a few minutes to savor it.  Instant peace comes over me when I do. 

What are you doing to combat “Cabin Fever”?  Please let me know, by making a comment below. 

A Moment of Reflection

Don't know about you, but I'm having moments of feeling a bit unsettled with everything going on in my country (USA) and the world.  During this time, I'd like to encourage you to take time away from the craziness with a couple quotes and a short prayer.

"Be still, and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10

"Pure Grace

Not mapped

and unmarked

is a space 

where you 

may suddenly 

find yourself

knowing:

Always

all is 

covered in

pure grace

and life 

at its worst

is saved." - Kirk Byron Jones, Author "Soul Talk"

As you take time to "Be Still" in the presence of God, may you feel the cares of the world lift off your shoulders.  

May the renewing of your soul empower you to be an instrument of God's peace - in ways you hadn't imagined before. 

 

The Railway, WWI and the Halifax Explosion

Photo from The Canadian Encyclopedia

For some of us, our love for trains brings about images of traveling across the country with views of beautiful mountain ranges and waterways. No worries, no cooking, and an adventure in sleeping. For others, rather than a fondness, its more a matter of convenience, a way to get to work or maybe the airport. 

As I’ve continued research both online and with family interviews, for a memoir I’m writing about my Grandfather Joseph Landry’s family, it appears that not only did his father, my Great Grandfather Michael Landry work at the Willow Park Yard, but there’s a possibility, his brother Daniel Landry did as well.  What follows is a condensed version of what I’ve discovered about the railway.

In 1917, Halifax, Nova Scotia had a couple of railway systems, electric and steam powered.  Electric trams made it easy for people to get around the city.  The steam powered locomotives allowed individuals to travel and businesses to send and receive goods from places like Truro, Moncton, Montreal, and the United States.  Different companies made up the railways in Halifax – these include but aren’t limited to:  Intercolonial Railway, Canadian Government Railway, Rhodes and Curry Ltd., Nova Scotia Electric Tramways and Power Company*, and a Telegraph System that kept communications going between inbound and outbound trains. 

A variety of passenger cars and freight cars dotted the landscape. During WWI there were three railway yards in the North end of Halifax – Willow Park, Fairview, and Richmond that would not only, keep the trains in working order, but were responsible for cleaning and restocking passenger cars between trips.  The people working for the railways took pride, not only in transporting the troops as comfortable as possible, but in making sure they were well fed.  Railway cars were adapted to meet the needs of the thousands of troops they  transported.  For example, dining cars were adapted to seat 70 at a time and separate cars were used to do the cooking.  Extra staff was required.  Special hospital cars with a red cross on them were used to transport the wounded.   Railway staff were commissioned to help overseas as well.**

On December 6, 1917, two ships collided in the harbor, one a munitions ship – the Mont Blanc and the other a Belgium Relief ship – the Imo. The result – the Mont Blanc caught fire, drifted into Pier 6, then exploded, leveling both the Northern section of Halifax and causing great destruction to sections of Dartmouth, across the harbor.  Immediately after the explosion, military and civilians came together to help with the rescue.  The railways experience with adaptability came in handy. 

The Railway's telegraph systems operators were able to send out messages about the explosion and its aftermath.  This alerted cities and towns from Truro to Montreal  about the destruction, the thousands wounded, and  how the city was on fire.  Aid came quickly from throughout the province, then expanding, coming from other provinces like New Brunswick and Quebec.  By later that first day, a train arrived with Nurses, Doctors, medical supplies, as well as, cars loaded with fire fighting vehicles and equipment.  While the first relief train was headed into the city, another train was headed out, transporting some of the wounded to Truro.  More relief trains would follow providing much needed building supplies, clothes, and more items as needs became apparent.   

The communities of Halifax and Dartmouth would recover thanks to the generously of others and the  transportation services provided by the railway and its workers.

* Canadian Rail Historical Bulliten - April 1954

** Canada’s National Railway and the War 

Is It Possible to Have a Meaningful at Home Vacation?

With a little bit of apprehension my husband Jim and I started a stay-at-home vacation a week ago last Friday.  We wondered if two work-from-homers could actually find sanctuary and rejuvenation at our place of residence/work?

The night before, “out of office” email reply messages were set and our cell phone notifications turned off.  What quiet bliss.

Friday night is usually our at-home date night.  Since we are pretty introverted, this has worked well for us.  We started the first evening of vacation watching the Broadway play “Hamilton”. We are so grateful to live in a time of “online streaming services”.
 
Prior to vacation we found a sale on cushions for our lounge chairs, located in the breezeway. This is a comfortable place to read.

 

My favorite part of the day is sitting outside first thing in the morning and listening to the birds. With no other major responsibilities, this lasted much longer than usual.  No rush breakfasts, an added plus.

On our list of things to check out since we moved here, was the town beach.  End of season is a great time to go.  It wasn’t crowded.  

We went for a walk and were joined by a friendly duck.

We found a relaxing spot to sit by the water. 

During our time at our home, we got an idea.  By moving, a small table that we had off to the side, and placing it in front of the large basement window, then re-purposing two office chairs without arms, it gave us another place to eat meals and we like the view.

To answer the question, “Is it Possible to Have a Meaningful at Home Vacation?” The answer is "yes".  Our at home vacation has worked out well. We didn’t miss the usual 32-hour round trip or the packing and unpacking that goes along with it.  Along with what was shared, we watched another Broadway play and a couple movies.  There was plenty of time to relax and find sanctuary. Feeling rested.

Love verses Hate

For those of us who say that we love everyone?

Photo by Cal Shook - 2020

Do we?

I thought I did, but confess there are many feelings within me that aren’t very loving toward people who don’t act and think like me. Please God, forgive me and heal me, so I might be a help rather than a hindrance.  That I might be able to hear the fears and concerns of people not like me.

As I’ve spent time praying, I’m drawn back to the basics of my faith, of a power greater than myself, which I call God.

God lovingly created the sun, moon, stars, air, water, vegetation, animals, and humans - a creation with everything needed to survive and thrive.  Then God gave us humans the gift of choice.  How we choose to interact is up to us.  In any given situation, the choices we make have an effect on the outcome.  Will my actions emulate the characteristics of love or hate?

Love  verses  Hate

Care                  Oppress
Plenty               Want
Safe                  Fearful
Healthy Toxic
Harmony            Discord
Listen Tune-out
Solutions            Impasse
Fruitful                Unproductive
Peace                Strife
Thrive Perish