|
Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you just want to request a do-over and avoid what has already occurred? I am guessing we have all been there at one time or another, and hopefully no more than one time. That is usually enough. However, I am right in the middle of such a week and am almost ready to shout "uncle" to anyone who cares to listen. It started four short days ago – less than 100 hours. I was building Cathy a mobile sewing machine storage cart for her sewing machine collection. This is where I refer you to a previous weekly encouragement regarding her hobby. BTW – she doesn't just collect them - she uses them. Now, how thoughtful and thrifty is that? I was cutting various materials on the table saw and had transitioned to cutting a 2x4. I had done these dozens of times before, but always with the safety hold down in place – until this time, that is. I can already feel some of you cringing at what happens next. Yep, I pushed the wood into the blade and it immediately did an about-face and came right back and met my wrist at full force, driving my 35-year-old POW/MIA bracelet into my wrist. Lesson learned: Safety devices and cautions are there for a reason and no more shortcuts. Next was the semi-annual visit to the dentist. The highlight of my week to be sure. The good news was that I was complimented for my concerted efforts over the past six months. The bad news was that a tooth needed the professional attention of the dentist at a future date. Lesson learned: No matter how good we do; sometimes it's just not enough. OK, enough for the past three days. Not so fast. Then there's today. It started with a lost wallet, included a minor fender bender, and ended with a blessing. All of that in only 90 minutes. Misplacing keys is one thing as there is usually a spare set. But a wallet has so many one-of-a-kind items: driver’s license, other forms of identification, credit cards, and occasionally, on rare occasions, cash. It was finally found after looking in areas where it seemed impossible to be, but there it was. That in itself generated enough stress and anxiety that while backing out the vehicle little thought was given to the realization that another vehicle was parked right beside it. No major damage was done to the receiving vehicle, which paled in comparison to the embarrassment and frustration that the accident even occurred. Lesson learned: An immovable object will, by the laws of physics, naturally resist a movable object intruding into its space. This was the point where I just wanted to finally say, “uncle” and somehow move on. But that did not happen. Why? What good would saying, “uncle” do? None, but it might have felt good to vent a little frustration. Instead, there was the resolution to move on and make the best of the remainder of the day. Then there was the unexpected reminder that God is always watching over his children. And I surely did need a reminder today. Less than an hour after the vehicle mishap the phone rang. I did not recognize the number and was prepared to let the voice mail message speak for me. However, I felt compelled to answer the call. Glad I did. The call was from my chaplain endorser, mentor, and friend, Ron. He felt the need to reach out and see how I was doing today. Talk about a God moment. His call was the calm in the storm and the bright sunshine I needed this cloudy and rainy day. Here was an affirmation that I am never alone and that God knows exactly what is needed and when. Oh, there are still two more days in this week yet, but I am confident in God's presence. How about you? Our encouragement verse for this week is: Psalm 121:8 (NIV) “ The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris
0 Comments
Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I need help. I am so confused. I have always heard – and believed – the old axiom regarding March, "In like a lion and out like a lamb." Well, somebody forgot to tell nature that up here on the North Shore. I mean the wind was blowing so hard here that I began to wonder if the flag pole warranty was going to have to be put into effect. No worries as the warranty guarantee up to 70 mph. Still, it was windy enough that I had to hold onto the door when opening the truck door. And driving was an exhilarating experience, especially when exiting the tunnels up the shore and the wind hit full force. Still, that's what makes living up here interesting. I saw someone fly fishing in one of the stream beds. Now that's dedication. Interesting that the last of the month should be more like the first. The sad news about the last is the last time I remember seeing Stew. It was December 2019, at our monthly Bay Area Ministerial Luncheon at the Northwoods. Stew Carlson, the former pastor at Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay, was ever the gracious friend to all. I always ordered a double cheeseburger and fries, and Stew would always order his special sandwich. When asked if he would like fries or chips, Stew would mischievously grin and tell the waitress, “No, Chris will have enough fries for both of us.” And he was right, as usual. Many of you knew Stew as a dedicated - almost to the point of obsession - William Kelly High School Mariner fan. He not only loved his community, but he loved everyone in it. Stew also was not one to pass up an opportunity. I remember shortly after joining the ministers' group in Silver Bay, how Stew was able to "volunteer" me to assist in services at the Veterans Home and contribute articles to the Chronicle. There was no arm twisting. Stew had a God-given gift for inspiring others. He was also passionate about sharing his faith and had the blessed ability to relate to everyone he met. He will always be remembered for his eternally youthful and engaging smile. You just knew you were with a friend. Stew, you will always be missed. Then there was also noted the first. That being the first ship of the season into Two Harbors port last week – the Indiana Harbor. We know it as a “thousand-footer” that regularly plies the Great Lakes. Actually, it is only 989 feet long, but who’s counting? Built in 1979, and can transport over 35,000 tons. What makes it special is that the ship’s arrival signified the beginning of a new shipping season and we got to see it as it passed our house. It can be the small things that give us hope and encouragement. The ship was a sign that normal shipping has begun again and everyday activities still go on. Now we transition from the last week of March into the first week of April. I still think about the lion and lamb but in a different context. Particularly during this week, I think about the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. This is the time we focus on the strength and sacrifice of Christ for all, and the message his resurrection has for all of us. Stew knew this message. He believed it, lived it, and shared it. If you also believe, then share this with others. If you have not heard this before, then ask someone to share it with you. You both will be encouraged. Our encouragement verse for this week is: John 11:25-26 (NIV) “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
When growing up on the east coast, trips to visit relatives in Virginia were always looked forward to. This was referred to as going to the country. After so many times of taking the same trip, familiar landmarks were anticipated to determine how far we had come and how much longer the trip would last. One of those significant landmarks was the bridge from Maryland into Virginia. It seemed to a 10- year-old like the demarcation line between two different worlds. Things in that part of Virginia seemed quieter and less hurried. There was so much more to see with the small farms and historical locations. There was Washington’s actual birthplace, James Monroe’s birthplace, the Lee family mansion where Robert E. Lee was born, and of course the state park where so many memorable family reunions occurred. Through the succeeding decades, to the present time, there have been hundreds of different trips for many reasons. Some were actual vacations and others were military assignment related. There was always a choice to be made – how to get from point A to point B. When I was younger, expediency was the overriding concern. How to get there the quickest with the least number of interruptions or distractions. After all – getting there was the point of the travel, right? If only I had known then what I realize now. As I got older and seemingly wiser, I realized there was so much more to be seen and experienced by taking the less-traveled roads. So it was that when I retired to Minnesota in 1997, I was determined to see as much of the back roads as possible. Being a volunteer chaplain with a county sheriff's department was a great way to do this during ride-along with the deputies. A side benefit was discovering the best fishing and hunting areas. This desire to see the best of the state has only been enhanced since our final retirement to the North Shore. There are so many unique features to this beautiful Arrowhead Region, that I will only state those recently observed in our local area. Feel free to add those you think I should get out and see. Let’s see, there’s the always picturesque drive from Duluth either up the scenic highway along the shore, or Highway 61 itself. Both speak volumes to a wealth of culture and history to be enjoyed. You know things are a little different as you come into Two Harbors and there is a statue of Pierre, the Voyageur. It was a long time until someone pointed out that Pierre is wearing a long shirt and no pants. Watch out or someone will try to cancel Pierre for his lack of clothing decorum. Pierre has been seen with a mask during the pandemic. There is also a car wash that features a pet was as well. First time I have ever seen one of those. Just a little further east there is Lou’s, whose sign advertises world-famous smoked fish cheese ice cream. Yep, a North Shore delight. However, I am a little particular about how many different flavors are combined in my ice cream. Cathy wisely pointed out it's how you read the sign. You read it your way and I'll read it mine. Next up the shore is a well-known resort, right on the lake. Unique is that it is only flying the Canadian flag. Now, I call that real diplomacy to let our northern neighbors know they can feel right at home here. Then there are two tunnels on your way up the shore. The first is the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel. The other is unnamed. Well, it is named, just not on the tunnel itself. It is the Lafayette Tunnel. Now you know. Finally, the lady using a leaf blower on her lawn when there are no leaves. OK, that was Cathy. Why rake when you have an industrial-strength leaf blower? Not only did the blower take care of dirt and small rocks, but every branch and twig that dared to fall since last Fall. It should be noted that the blower requires a seasoned, trained person to handle it properly. Alas, I am still in training and hope to stretch that situation out for several more seasons. These are some personal observations from the North Shore. No matter where you live there are roadways and people just waiting for you to discover. I use the same thought when referring to our relationship with God. Every day is a new opportunity for discoveries and memories. Don't hesitate to read the Bible, pray, and see where God will take you. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Psalm 118:24 (ESV) “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Have you noticed the changes occurring around town lately? A sure sign that time signals a multitude of seasonally related events. Let's see, there's the always comforting signal from the local Dairy Queen – it's open again! There must be certain subliminal business psychology that I am only now just becoming aware of. Since the coldest part of the winter, DQ has posted a sign stating when they would open again – a definite harbinger of hope in an otherwise tundra we call home. What is impressive is that they opened again while it was still winter, with several weeks left on the calendar until spring – this Saturday. On behalf of a grateful populace, allow me to say thank you. The strawberry sundae was well worth the wait. Another indication of a new change is the re-purposing of the old Shopko into a new commercial venue courtesy of the Seagren family enterprises. More business is good for business. Then there is the good news out of St. Paul that the governor is relaxing some of the pandemic restrictions which will result in another step back to some form of normalcy. Have you noticed that the parking lot at the local hospital has appeared more occupied as of late? Are more people are ill and needing services? Perhaps, but what is known is that the local area is slowly, but surely, receiving more COVID vaccine. Again, timing is everything as new eligibility criteria have gone into effect, allowing more to be vaccinated. This is not a discourse on the merits or drawbacks of receiving a vaccination - that is entirely a personal choice. I recently became eligible and received my first shot today. First and foremost, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the process. This includes those seen and those behind the scenes who make sure things flow smoothly. The entire process took a mere 25 minutes, 15 of which were sitting for required monitoring after the actual vaccination. What made it so memorable? The people. From the time I entered the hospital, until completing the five separate stations, I was greeted with friendly smiles and sincere, caring attitudes. I was not only grateful for the opportunity to receive the vaccination; I was even more grateful for the opportunity to meet such dedicated and caring people. Please remember, these Public Health personnel, hospital workers, and especially volunteers are our neighbors and friends. You all are truly awesome! Finally, there is another type of seasonal time passage. Here I refer to the season of life and the passage from it. It is with a heavy heart that I reflect here on another loss from the Greatest Generation. This past Tuesday evening Karl passed away. I had only met him a little over two years ago and he made an immediate impression. A proud Finn, Karl delighted in trying to teach anyone who met him how to count in Finnish. I find English challenging enough, but Karl never gave up trying. His pride was his service in World War II, his beloved wife, Ann, and his family. Karl also delighted in telling me everything possible about growing up in Toimi, Minnesota, and the Toimi Schoolhouse. I have never been there, but I feel like I know it as well as a native son, courtesy of Karl. To be sure, Karl had some challenges in his life – just like so many others, but he humbly admitted how grateful he was to have just lived as long as had. At 95 years young, he certainly had his own opinions and wasn't too shy about sharing those. But what will stay with me is his firm handshake when saying goodbye, and his insightful observation, "There are fewer of us left who remember what it was like." Karl was referring to growing up during the Depression and then going to war. He was right, and now there is one less. I take comfort in knowing that there are community members who are helping to keep us going with new businesses, helping us with vaccinations, and those helping to care for those from the Greatest Generation as well as those who provide the services we need every day. Finally, I am most grateful that God provides what I need, both now and for eternity. Our encouragement verse for this week is: James 1:17 (NIV) “ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
The great American dream is to have a successful career, a perfect family, a home in the country with a white picket fence, and a care-free retirement to be enjoyed for many years. Right. Reality says that work can be very gratifying but is also long and arduous, and before you know it, retirement is staring you in the face. Retirement is supposed to be relaxing, a time of contemplation and tranquility where our time is finally our own. However, to be honest, this is actually the reality for many. I am not in that select group. I am in the other group. You know, the group that wants to stay relevant and still believes we have skill sets acquired during a lifetime of experience that can be beneficial. The good news in retirement is that we can now volunteer for noteworthy causes. The challenge is to know when not to over-stretch ourselves in these endeavors. All of the sudden, much of that cherished free time is now taken up with meetings, planning, and events. Don't get me wrong – it's all good. It's just an exercise on how to not only serve but also make time for yourself. Otherwise, you can easily find yourself busier than when working full-time. And so it was that I found myself with some free time last week. That can present a problem itself in deciding what to do to relax. Woodworking? Reading? Organizing workshops for the upcoming season of projects? I decided to walk the dog and consider further my options. And there was where this saga begins. With the recent, unseasonably warm temperatures came the melt and at night the inevitable re-freeze on a large scale. There were large patches of ice around the entrance to the house. As I was coming down the hill to the door. I was gingerly taking my time on the ice to avoid any mishaps – to no avail. The dog pulled on the leash. I tried to maintain control and lost. I went horizontal and splayed out on the ice with my head making a distinctly loud connection with the ice. A caveat is needed here. No ice was damaged in the occurrence of this event. I was laid out for a good five minutes until I could get myself up and into the house. My head was throbbing and my elbow was hurting to the point where I wanted to scream…just a little. Cathy dutifully and lovingly provided for my injuries. But we were not done quite yet. This time of year also the annual exercise in anxiety and trepidation, commonly referred to as tax season. For years we have used a renowned online service for tax submission. What could be easier than just entering data from the comfort of your home and letting the tax experts' computer program do the rest? What planet was I born on? Just to enter the required data was a two-hour exercise in answering more questions than when I joined the military. It seems you need an interpreter who speaks "taxese" to just understand what is being asked. Finally, the evil deed was done and the sun immediately shone through the dark clouds of uncertainty – we were getting a refund! Now, all we had to do was to hit the submit button. Success! Not so fast. Ten minutes later was the dreaded notification that the submission was not accepted due to more “taxese” jargon. Short story – after five more rejections we were able to connect with a real person. Real meaning someone to exchange texts with who was as frustrated with their own system as much as we were. What worked finally? We entered 0 into fields requiring numbers and the computer accepted everything. I could just scream at the futility of having contributed three-hours of our lives that we can never recuperate. Still, we are getting refunds. Ok, the scream was a bit more muted to be classified as a whine. And finally, the last straw to complete the saga. Coming down the shoreline to go into town I rounded the corner where you can see the current gas price at the Holiday station. Now I readily admit that I am peculiar in that I actually have a happy point regarding gas prices when they are under a certain amount. Imagine my reaction to being unprepared for the price to have gone up over 20 cents per gallon – eight percent – in one week. Ostensibly this is to reflect an improving economy. As I was in my truck and the windows were up, I finally gave in and vented for about three seconds. After all – what are you going to do? Yep, I pulled in and gassed up. Sometimes it is difficult to not be able to express frustration about circumstances, particularly those we have no control over. You know, like falling on the ice, tax preparation, and gas prices. But there is comfort in the certainty that God does care about our frustrations and trials and wants to not only hear about them, but he also offers to help. We have to be willing to tell him and then also to let him help. Now I feel better. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Psalm 46:1 (NIV) “ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I know I have mentioned it before – the pandemic has seemed to have given us a new vernacular within the past year that is now accepted as normal. We have become all too familiar with: isolation, quarantine, face masks, social distancing Skype, and Zoom. In retrospect, these have all ostensibly been to help us get through these perilous and challenging times while still trying to maintain some semblance of new normalcy. I recently read of new medical phenomena – "Zoom fatigue." I was almost set to grin at what must seem like a far-fetched assumption until I reflected that the previous week, I was part of five lengthy Zoom meetings within two days. And to be honest – at the end of the last meeting I was feeling a little bleary-eyed from looking at a computer screen. However, we have to admit – there are some distinct advantages to these meetings over face-to-face meetings. First and foremost is the ability to mute yourself and also opt-out of video-sharing if you forgot to shave, or just want to dress really casually. Regardless of when the pandemic ends – and it will – I believe computer meetings will be embraced and continue on due to accessibility and convenience. Another byproduct of the pandemic has been the increased reliance on social media and mainstream media news outlets for current information. It seems that sometimes ignorance is bliss. By that I mean we are the recipients of the information and seldomly the source. And so it has been that a current trend has been developing over the past year. I will refer to it as the cancel trend. Now, when I was growing up there were two meanings for the term cancel. The first was that school was canceled due to snow days. Yes! Then there was the announcement that a favorite TV show had been canceled. Why? Still, we moved on. It was with some real head-scratching that I read recently that Dr. Seuss's writings are to be canceled as being insensitive. With little time to digest this assault on my childhood, assault round number two announced that Mr. Potato Head would now be gender-neutral to be acceptable to …whom? I am nervous about what the news will next disclose. Will Mr. Green Jeans be determined to be insensitive to the other colors? What about Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, and the Dick and Jane readers? I am of the humble opinion that it is easier to criticize than it is to appreciate when something good is done. Johnny Mercer & the Pied Pipers had a hit song in 1944, “Accentuate the Positive.” The song was nominated for the "Academy Award for Best Original Song" at the 18th Academy Awards in 1945 after being used in the film Here Come the Waves. Let’s take a look at that sentiment today. First, some publications are known for emphasizing positive outcomes. There is Guide Post, Positive News, Reader’s Digest, and dozens more, as well as many positive websites. I’m not advocating ignoring reality, just getting a healthy dose of positive news as well. I would be remiss if I did not also include the Bible. So, let me attempt a Lake County version of accentuating the positive. Feel free to use this in your own communities as well. We could start a nation-wide grassroots effort to be positive. Here we go. A big shout out to the following groups:
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU! Our encouragement verse for this week is: Philippians 4:8 (ESV) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Who would have thought that by the last week in February we on the North Shore would be enjoying bright sunshine and temperatures in the low 40’s? Usually, we would be grateful for anything above 0 and not experiencing the weekly snow events that in years past have been accepted as normal this time of year. But then, as we all realize, this past year has been anything but normal. What a roller-coaster ride to be sure. The good is not only the noteworthy weather changes but also the positive attitude that is permeating so many conversations around the area. Not only is there an abundance of hope, but also the surety that things are, and will continue to improve locally. Vaccinations are being administered weekly to those eligible and as supplies permit. Plans are being tentatively made for activities later in the year where it is hoped that people can gather together again. Business changes are occurring to provide more services and opportunities to our Northland area. Have you heard that there is going to be a new miniature golf course located in Silver Bay, near the new Black Beach campground? If all goes according to plan, we will be enjoying it sometime this summer. The local newspaper carried a front-page article last week regarding a random act of kindness where over 100 signs were posted in Two Harbors and Silver Bay acknowledging appreciation for Lake Superior School District employees and their service, with the encouragement, “Hang in there!” Sage advice for all of us to take note of. Then there was the bad. The newspaper also carried the weekly posting of those who had passed away. Cathy and I have only called Lake County home for the past 33 months. Some might think that is not a lot of time to get to know people and form lasting bonds of friendship. Not so. When you see someone's obituary that you know, it brings home how quickly friendships are formed and how fleeting life can be. I only met Linda two years ago but quickly formed a friendship based on her wit and humor and my having the privilege of being able to visit her. What stood out was her embodiment of the all too seldom used moniker – a lady. She had class, charm, and a vast breadth of interests to discuss. A true friend to all, and a woman who was not shy about sharing her thoughts with you. She also loved anything to do with bears. She is missed by many. I'm torn between this next item being good or bad. Ok, how about a little of both? Amy has been providing service to so many in the community for over two decades at the American Legion. So it came as a bit of shock that she is now moving onward and upward. Some people are so foundational to an organization that we just assume that they will always be there. Amy is that person. The entire area will now benefit from Amy's new position at the Two Harbors License Bureau. A win-win situation for Amy and the community. Then there's the muddy. Need I say anymore? With the unseasonal warmth has come the inevitable melt. Now, normally I'm all for the melt as it signals spring is here. However, we still have 23 days of winter left and we all know that real spring doesn't show up here on the North Shore until early May. This is all playing games with my feeble mind. I mean it is great to walk on patches of uncovered ground. I didn't say dry ground because it is soggy and muddy. The kind of mud where you step in it and it says, "Whoa, where do you think you’re going. Just leave the boots and move on." Even if the mud were to dry-up we all know that this is just an aberration and our spring snowstorm coming. The kind where it is so wet and heavy that the brand new snowblower says, "Nope, not me and not today." Regardless, this too shall pass and we will be enjoying real spring weather with all the glories of new growth and new opportunities. What a wonderful affirmation that God is with us every day through the good, the bad, and even the muddy. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I have loved reading and studying history – particularly military history – since the first time I remember reading a book. It was one of the very few subjects that I really enjoyed, and I must humbly add – excelled at. Perhaps that's one reason my first career was in the military and why I got a graduate degree in military history. Many repetitive themes in military history and thousands of books and hundreds of films have been dedicated to these themes. One of the more popular themes covered in hindsight is referred to as, "The Turning Point." This usually is a single significant event or a connected series of events that dramatically change a situation's outcome. When studying military history, there are three predominant aspects to be learned. These being, what caused the military situation? What was the turning point in the conflict? And how was the dispute ultimately resolved? Of course, the concept of the turning point applies to more than military history. Our recent political history will reflect a turning point that culminated in the final election results. When history is written, we will also see the same applied to the pandemic in which we find ourselves at the present moment. But this is an encouragement, not a discourse on history. Allow me to observe that we have had our own turning point on the magnificent North Shore, so to speak. We have seen the temperatures finally climb back into the positive number's region within the past week. In fact, as I write this, the sun is bright, and the temperature is in the teens. The fortune-tellers at the National Weather Service are encouraged enough to forecast a slow but steady temperature increase for the remainder of the month. They are even so daring as to state that beginning this Saturday evening, the lows each evening will still be above zero. As if to confirm this information, there has been a marked increase in bird and squirrel activity. The vole has once again shown itself. Eagles are once again soaring the thermals along the shoreline, while snow is beginning to recede back from the roadways due to sublimation's assistance from the sun's UV rays. The past several weeks have certainly been trying, to say the least. Many had vehicles that wouldn't start and furnaces that needed immediate attention. We found out which cold weather gloves really worked and which ones were for show with impressive names and little else. We came to dearly appreciate the woolen scarves a considerate sister-in-law in Virginia hand knitted for us during the bitterest cold. I used to scoff at wool knit hats to cover the head and ears and "bombardier" hats with flaps on either side. Now they are our best friends. Oh, and thanks to the USAF for the cold weather thermals they issued to all of us stationed in North Dakota. They are still working great 24 years later. So, yes, we have had our turning point for this winter with the annual polar vortex event. Of course, winter still has another 31 days, and we almost always have a spring snowstorm. But we earnestly believe the worst has come and gone. This is encouraging news for us on the North Shore, but not elsewhere. I venture to say that we either have relatives or know someone in the south is experiencing their own worst part of winter right now. The difference is that they are not prepared for a northern Minnesota winter. Still, nonetheless, they are right in the middle of it. Now is when we reach out to our neighbors down south and help in any way we can. We are all one nation under God, called to help each other as best we can. I know that there will be a turning point regarding the weather battering the country. There will be a turning point for the pandemic vaccinations, a turning point for the schools reopening for the children, a turning point for unity in our country, and finally – a turning point for turning to God and seeking him. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
A common question I’m asked is where I come up with the subject matter for these weekly encouragements. The answer is they come from God as everyday observations. Usually, I develop the outline by Tuesday or Wednesday. There have been times when on submission day – Thursday – I am still scratching my head and wondering what will come to light for an encouragement. This past week was extraordinary in that two appropriate titles came to mind. Which was I to choose? This was a conundrum of the right kind. I'll let you decide. The first was "The Frozen Few." The second was "Three Strikes and Still at Bat." Both had a common thread – the bitter cold we have been experiencing for the past week. Last week I discussed two shots. Those shots being vaccination shots. This time it was three shots. Those being called volleys fired as a salute. The call came for volunteers to perform military honors for a fellow veteran who had passed away. This would be a little different as the honors would be rendered in front of the local funeral home. I cannot say the name as that may be misconstrued as a business endorsement. Sorry, Mr. Cavallin. Eight senior men – I’m using the AARP definition of seniors here – dutifully stood at attention as the rifle volleys were rendered and taps were played. Two U.S. Army Honor Guard soldiers then meticulously performed the flag folding ceremony and presentation to a surviving family member. Oh, yes, the other observation was the cold. It was sunny and -8 degrees. But then there was a strong wind, which made the wind chill approximately -20 degrees. The local Honor Guard members all wore ceremonial white linen gloves. They were either holding rifles or holding flags with metal poles. The predominant thoughts were on the cold. That is until the music was played and the U.S. flag was folded and presented. What really mattered was that a veteran's service was being remembered, and the family members and friends were also standing outside with us. Cold, what cold? We were the Frozen Few on that morning. The second occurrence was infinitely more personal and closer to home – literally. It started with an email notifying me that an online funding source had approved my purchases. The problem is that I had not made any purchases nor authorized that service to make any payments. I am now a statistic as a victim of identity theft. Sure enough, my credit card was used to purchase two pro basketball team hats and ship them to Miami. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't particularly care for pro basketball. It took over two days and dozens of emails, and several phone calls to rectify the issue. Not to mention the frustration regarding the whole situation. Strike one. The same day I received a notification from the bank that the service I requested was now available. You guessed it – I never asked the service, and in fact, did not want it. When all was said and done, I had to accept the service because the service I have had for over two years has a monthly fee – though I was never charged. This is because you would expect it as a standard business – not so. Strike two. Not feeling particularly stellar at this point, I needed to go into town. However, the truck had other ideas. Yep, it would not start. Now the battery is a top-of-the-line 5-year model that I had replaced during a bitter cold spell two years ago this month. What is it about February anyway? The short story is that the alternator, much older than the battery, decided this was the time to go to alternator heaven. It was almost with a frozen tear that I watched the truck being towed away for repair. There is something unnatural about watching your truck going backwards down the highway. Strike three. Oh, yes, there was also the official letter from the state department of revenue asking to have a conversation about our taxes…from 2018! However, I am still the eternal optimist because God knows what is going on and makes the appropriate provision as needed. How you may ask? First, the credit card company will not charge for the fraudulent purchases and is sending a new card. Second, the bank fully understood the miscommunication and extended excellent customer service. Third, AAA arranged to have the truck towed, the local tow truck driver was great to work with, and the local repair shop was able to get the truck in on the same day. So, you see – even after three strikes, we are still up and going. God is good – all the time. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Philippians 4:6 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
When looking for a retirement home on the North Shore, it was easy to be mesmerized by the lake's natural beauty and surrounding area. After all,that's the prime reason for people wanting to retire here. On a visit in 2017, Cathy and I casually mentioned to the attendant at the Two Harbors Information Center that we would consider moving here if we could have the lake view without the taxes of owning lakefront property. Quick as a proverbial heartbeat, she replied, "I know just the real estate agent for you." Long story short – she was as good as her word, and here we are with a magnificent view of Lake Superior, without lakefront property taxes. When looking at houses to consider as a retirement home, it is interesting how the obvious is sometimes overlooked when tantalized by a beautiful view. What kind of obvious things, you ask? Well, how about the driveway? We gave no real thought to the driveway as we drove up to it. We were too excited about the opportunity to look at a 90-year-old house, and it was -20 degrees on that day. Again, as we left, we paid no attention to the driveway as now all we could discuss was the house, and, oh yes – the view. Now, the driveway is long and steep. How steep, you ask? Steep enough that shortly after moving in, a strong thunderstorm resulted in a good portion of the driveway cascading down to Highway 61. Steep enough that the USPS, UPS, and FEDEX drivers have all declined to venture up the driveway in the wintertime. Now, the propane delivery driver is more fearless and will try anything at least once. Interesting to see a truck with its wheels spinning forward while the truck is sliding backward. Experience is a great teacher. This is now our third winter here, and we have a newly graded driveway and a brand new snowblower. Snow is no longer as intimidating as it once was. This past Sunday’s afternoon activities centered on the long, steep driveway as we committed to clearing off the several inches of new snow from the previous evening. It was that light, fluffy stuff that is easy to push if it’s not too deep or packed. Using the snowblower was not even really a consideration. Cathy even got out the leaf blower and gave that a workout until finally switching over to a shovel. She took care of the sizable parking area while I tackled the driveway's length and the entrance from the highway. It was a good workout that took 1 ½ hour to finish. As I was going down the driveway, pushing snow to either side, I occasionally looked down the driveway to see how much more was left to be done. After doing this several times, I was getting depressed about how little progress I seemed to be making. Being a positive-oriented person, I knew there had to be a better way of looking at this chore. Sure enough – I turned around and looked up at how much I had already accomplished. That changed everything. I went another several minutes and turned around to see that more was completed than what head yet to be done. It was encouraging and made the remaining work much easier to do. Last week’s news stories have all seemed to have been about the daunting tasks ahead of us and the abundance of opinions of the right actions. We are looking for clear direction, a unity of purpose, and positive signs moving on that all can readily agree with. Again, being positive oriented I look back over the past year and all that our community has accomplished by helping one another. Knowing where we have been and how far we have come makes whatever lies ahead just a series of tasks to be completed…together. Foundational is turning around from what fears we may have and looking up to God for what we need. Our encouragement verse for this week is: 1 Peter 5:7 (The Living Bible) “Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” May you be blessed by God's word. Chris |
Archives
December 2020
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed