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Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I am a Spring person. Always have been. I was born in the Spring and love the new growth that signals another Winter's passing into memory. The warmer temperatures, the fragrance of fresh flowers, and the anticipation of completing all of the outdoor activities planned during the seemingly endless wintry months, which here on the North Shore, can go from sometime in October to mid-May. There is also no more snow blowing the long driveway, which seems to get longer each year. However, I do have to concede that this time of the year, Fall, is undoubtedly enjoyable. To commemorate the last day of Summer, we took extra time with the yard maintenance and washed rocks. Well, I didn't wash rocks, Cathy did. Yes, Cathy was washing rocks – for three straight days. She was using Muriatic Acid to remove concrete from the rocks. Why do you ask? She is the rare type of person who can see the practical use of almost any item, rocks, notwithstanding. She has been tirelessly endeavoring to transform a rocky hillside into a veritable garden paradise. While removing rocks obstructing her goal, she noticed that many of the rocks on the hill and others around the property had concrete. They were from previous projects the former owners had used around the property when it used to be a resort with several cabins. There was also an outdoor stone grill that Cathy is repurposing to provide a stone accent border for her new hillside garden. I feel like Clark Griswold's mother from the movie Christmas Vacation, "Clark, I can see it in my mind, and it is beautiful." Yes, creativity knows no bounds. We have an old galvanized steel minnow bucket and a porcelain cooking pot that both will now be resurrected as planters. She is even putting parts from an old lamp in the garden. We were going to use an antique door, turned sideways as a headboard, that is until we found an actual headboard to use as a headboard. Go figure. While growing up, I remember the great advertising campaigns that featured brand name coffees in large metal containers. However, the contents were usually transferred to metal or plastic canister sets, one of which was labeled "Coffee." What of the original cans? Yep, they ended up serving their real purposes as containers on every workbench, or in every garage, in America. They held every widget, nut, bolt, washer, or other odds and ends that did not have a designated home. And for goodness sake, don't ever throw anything away, because as soon as you do, you will need that exact item a week later. The real mystery comes when going through the treasured can of required items and deciphering what the thing is and where it came from? I would venture that this is a man-cave invention, but how many "utility drawers" grace kitchens these days? We hate to part with anything that we think could be useful in the future. How do you know when a decision to part with these items has been reached? It's commonly referred to as a garage sale. If you're willing to part with it, I'm willing to look at it for what I might need…in the future, of course. In counseling numerous people over the years, I have heard wistful memories of things long past and missed. These same people sometimes have a stoic outlook on today and not much thought about tomorrow. What causes such a view? Age has a lot to do with it as some think they have passed the age of usefulness. Others may look at circumstances in their lives that did not turn out the way they had wished, and instead want to be left alone. The Bible states that the days of our lives are numbered and that we should use them to serve God and others. There are countless examples of how people, regardless of their circumstances, have, and continue to strive for the best lives possible. Where adversity exists, so does opportunity. God has given us all the potential to be repurposed. If not for yourself, then how about for others who could use a helping hand. The North Shore abounds with opportunities each and every day. Is today the day you ask what you can do? Our encouragement verse for this week is: Galatians 6:10 (NIV) “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I thought that Labor Day was a holiday where we can rest from our labors and take a day to relax. When I was growing up, it was also a day in which parents took some absolute delight in realizing that school started the next day. Neither of those thoughts was prevalent this Labor Day as Cathy and I were sweating to the oldies – and I don't mean with Richard Simmons. We were busy in the yard catching up on long put-off projects that needed to be done before it becomes too cold to work outside. Where did the summer go? It seems that yesterday that it was Memorial Day weekend, as we watched the seemingly endless parade of vehicles heading up the shore. Now, here we were watching the mass exodus heading down the same roadway towards distant points south of the Lake County area. The work seemed bearable as we listened to tunes from the 80s on a radio station from Duluth. Amazing how music can bring back memories of past experiences. It was just as the yard work was the hardest and the tunes seemed to be helping the most that another sound interjected itself. The sound started out as a faint, barely discernible noise barely audible above the din of the seemingly non-stop traffic flow. It fluctuated due to the unique sound anomalies along the shoreline and the two tunnels between town and our house. And then recognition of the sound became crystal clear – a siren. There was an emergency somewhere, and an emergency vehicle was responding. Now, this occurs at least weekly and is taken in stride. However, this was not a normal response. Within only 10 minutes, another six emergency vehicles had passed by with sirens and lights, signaling their mission's urgency. These included vehicles from the sheriff, search and rescue, fire departments, ambulances, and the highway patrol. As each vehicle passed, I said a separate prayer for the responder and the situation. Two thoughts were prevalent during this time. First, these were not vehicles responding, but individuals who were literally putting others' needs above their own safety. This was an "all hands-on-deck" team effort so that others might live. The second thought was not as charitable. As the emergency vehicles passed in front of our house on Highway 61, very few vehicles heading southbound pulled over to allow the responders full access to the highway. I have been on emergency responses myself as a military police commander and as an emergency services chaplain for a metro county. I know that the responders are simultaneously having to concentrate on traffic that will not move over for them and think about responses once at the scene of the event. Cathy understands and has great empathy for all first responders as she has been there first-hand. She had the privilege to serve as a police officer for the Cottage Grove Police Department and then as a paramedic RN for Northfield. I listen to some of the stories she tells and can readily understand the frustrations that are encountered. However, more often than not, these frustrations are off-set by the rich satisfaction of having assisted those most in need of emergency services. Think back to those times when lives have been saved by those willing to go where most would fear to go. This September 11th, remember all those who responded to the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a barren field in rural Pennsylvania. Now for a sobering thought – what if we don't have enough men and women volunteer to be trained as first responders in the future? Who will we call when we desperately need help? Please take the time to sincerely thank these for their service. Unless we have been in their shoes, we can hardly imagine what they have experienced. BTW – say a prayer of remembrance for all responders this Friday. You'll feel good, and they will be blessed. Now for some really great and encouraging news. It is a fact that we all have an emergency responder that is only a prayer away. There are so many things during our lives that are true emergencies. They may not be the kind that results in lights and sirens, but they are our emergencies nonetheless. God is with us 24/7 and always responds. All that is required is faith and a willingness to ask for help. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Cathy wants a dog, so that's it, we're getting a dog. Now don't think I'm just giving in to make her happy. Though, that's not such a bad thing either. The truth of the matter is that I am okay with the thought, and actually looking forward to having a dog around. Any offers of assistance will be accepted and greatly appreciated. Cathy and I have both had dogs before. Let there be no mistake; however, this is going to be her dog. I already have Sophie. Sophie is a cat that thinks she's a dog. She follows me almost everywhere, responds when I call her and considers my lap her personal property. This is all good and well until Sophie decides that I deserve her company at 3:00 a.m. A closed door does nothing to deter her from making her intentions known. The only way I know that Sophie is pleased is when she closes her eyes and purrs like the radial engine on a DC-3 plane. Otherwise, Sophie wears a perpetual frown on her face. A dog, however, evokes a vast myriad of emotions, and all are easily discernible. Dogs actually smile and let you know when they are delighted. It is really entertaining to watch a happy dog prancing about. Another delightful sight to see is children when they are happy. You know those times – like the very first time a child eats ice cream, catching their very first fish, or riding a bike with no training wheels for the first time. Or the way their eyes light up on Christmas morning and they laugh with delight with each new gift opening – whether it is theirs or someone else's. There is also the joy of when a child meets and immediately accepts new friends. There is no judgment or hesitation, just acceptance of a new playmate to share adventures with. Many years ago, at a family gathering, four sisters -all in their early 30s – were actively engaged in conversation. That literally means they were all talking at the same time. A four-year-old niece could not get a word in at all. So, she proceeded to climb up onto the table, walk to the middle and proclaim, "Girls! I have something to say." She had their attention, and a memory was made that will last for a very long time. Another timeless joy is when two people publicly declare their love for one another. It was my privilege to officiate a wedding at Gooseberry Falls State Park last weekend. It was a picture-perfect setting with Lake Superior for a backdrop. A gentle breeze, sunny and 70 degrees, no humidity and no bugs. The unity candles even stayed lit throughout the ceremony. The highlight for me came as I saw the unmistakable look of true love that the bride and groom had for each other. As I concluded the ceremony, a song came vividly to mind, "Happy Together," by the Turtles. I felt a little embarrassed and did not share the thought with the new couple as neither was born when the song came out in 1967. In fact, their parents may not have recognized it, but the grandmother indeed would have. It is incredible to think of how quickly time does pass by and reflect on how many joyful experiences we have had. Becky, an inspirational author, wrote on her website, soveryblessed.com, that there are 10 things joy can do for you. Joy can: - help you lose weight - help you focus - lower your stress - improve your memory - lower your risk of a heart attack - cause you to want to serve others more - improve your blood pressure - make you more grateful and content - boost your immune system - make you feel pretty amazing Our encouragement verse for this week is: Philemon 1:7 (NIV) “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris |
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