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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 |
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