Edhird's Blog

Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit


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Video clips of the late Rev David Cline

 

This short clip wonderfully illustrates so much of what was celebrated at Rev David Cline’s funeral by his children Alva Cline, Anne Campbell, Janice P Hird, and John Cline. We give thanks for his wonderful humour, wisdom, kindness, and honouring of others.

The three Cline brothers (David, Fred, & Steve) are delightful to listen to in this short video with their humorous family stories. Did you know that Rev David Cline’s first sermon happened in a snowstorm when the preacher couldn’t turn up? His dear mom said that it was the best sermon she had ever heard.

You can see from this short video clip with Ric & Anne Campbell’s daughter Jane & her new husband Paul why so many hundreds of couples asked Rev David Cline to take their weddings. There was such a deep kindness and love that flowed from David, even as his health was challenged. What a blessing to end well, becoming sweeter rather than grumpier.

Watching a short video of Rev David Cline’s 90th birthday at White Rock Presbyterian Church brings back many memories, as many of those people were also recently at his funeral this week. In this video, Janice P Hird, James Hird, & Mark Hird lead the congregation in singing Joyful, Joyful. You can see various Cline family members like Alva Cline, Boyd Dun, Anne Campbell, John Cline, Karen Cline, Matt Cline, Lori Cline Flath, Jayme Cline, Erin M. Campbell-Crenshaw…

Such sweet stories in the short video clip with the Cline brothers sharing how they were called to ordained ministry. Vera Cline was key to David’s calling, and a prayer group after a Crusade was key for Fred. My question to Alva Cline, Anne Campbell, Janice P Hird, and John Cline is what they might want to add to this fascinating story.

Great reflections in this short video about their Mom Edna Bishop Cline by the four Cline sons. Alva Cline, Anne Campbell, Janice P Hird, and John Cline, What do you remember about your grandmother Cline?

Isn’t it amazing how God can bring such blessing on a family heritage? Rev John Cline, son of the late Rev Dave Cline, shares in this short video of how a humble Sunday School launched four Clines in ministry.

Rev David Cline’s 2016 Remembrance Day presentation on a short video

 

Memorable. This may have been the late Rev David Cline’s last public address, as he told a moving story of older Jewish people escaping the Nazis through a mountain pass. When tempted to give up and die, they were given young children to carry. All made it to safety. Similarly David Cline gave his last remaining strength to generously give to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to carry his family and place them in Jesus’ loving arms.

Rev David Cline reflects in a short video on the Greater Vancouver 1984 Billy Graham Crusade

David Cline, as one of the co-founders of the BC Christian Ashram, was always encouraging people to check out this life-giving retreat.


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A Picture is Worth…



By Rev. Dr. Ed Hird

Image result for deep cove heritage societyOne of the enjoyable places to visit in the Seymour/Deep Cove community is the Deep Cove Heritage Society Office on Gallant Avenue.  With their new office Co-ordinator Jim Slight, there are hundreds of Deep Cove photos available to help one reminisce and explore.  A picture is indeed worth a thousand words.  Over the thirty years that I have served in the community, I have taken many photos of the remarkable beauty of our Deep Cove trees, mountains, and water.  Since the invention of the cellphone, my photo collection, probably like yours, has increased astronomically.  Only a small percentage of my photos ever get printed off.

When I take time to view photos stored on my computer or photo albums, memories flood back with a vengeance.  Sometimes these photos fill me with joy and laughter.  Sometimes I feel sad because a person in a photo is no longer around.  Life is so incredibly short.

IMG_3935When my mother passed away, I felt drawn to photos that I have of her life.  When I posted some photos of my mom on social media, I received hundreds of condolences.  One friend wrote: “Condolences and the comfort of Jesus as you mourn her transition into a better place. May his peace be with you and your family in these days and weeks.” Another person wrote: “You and your family continue to be very much in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord surround you and your family with his love.”  Yet another said on Facebook: “I’m sorry for your loss. Lorna was a wonderful woman with a beautiful soul and a gentle spirit. She will be missed. My prayers and sympathy are with you and your family.”

 I miss my mother deeply.  She was and still is an amazing lady.  Over the past twenty-nine years, I wrote many Deep Cove Crier Mother’s Day articles about my dear mom.  I am grateful that Mom has gone to heaven to be with Jesus.  My mother had a deep faith and was ready to go at almost 90 years old.  We all have different ways of grieving.  Some people shed many tears.  I tend to be more private in that area.  I grieve through song, photos, and words.  Many people have given me hugs in the past few weeks, letting me know that they care.  People who have already lost loved ones tend to be the most in touch with the reality of grieving.

At Mom’s funeral/celebration of life, like with many IMG_3845.JPGfamilies, we had a slideshow of my mom’s life.  It can be one of the most touching times of these services.  A picture is indeed worth a thousand words.  Jesus said: ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.’  Perhaps you might take time this July to review photos on your computer and albums, giving thanks for loved ones who have gone before you.

Rev. Dr. Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin

-an article for the July 2017 Deep Cove Crier/North Shore News

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you. 

-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.


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Promoted to Glory

Dear friends,

My dear mom Lorna Hird passed away into glory at 2pm June 9th Friday.

 

Her funeral was on June 15th at 11am at Victory Memorial Park in 14831 28th Ave, South Surrey.

In Christ’s love,

Ed+ & Janice Hird

p.s. Here are some articles about my mother that I wrote over the years:

The Immeasurable Gift of A Mother

Mothers are Irreplaceable

Thanks, Mom

 

 

 

 

 

 

Been Like A Mother to Me


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The Immeasurable Gift of a Mother

By Rev. Dr. Ed Hird

Note: my dear mother passed away in June 2018. This is my last article written about my mom while she was still living.

Image result for Lorna HirdEvery May, for the past 29 years, I have written an article about Mother’s Day, usually focusing on my own dear mom. For the first 18 years of my life, I basically took my mother for granted. I loved her, but I had no idea how hard she was working in taking care of us.

I am so grateful that my mom was with us on planet earth for so many years.  Many of my friends have not had that blessing of being able to pick up the phone and hear their mother’s voice, or go out to the White Spot with her for dinner.  The resilience of my mom when facing many challenges was remarkable.

My mother, with her very strong faith, preserved through thick and thin, for better or worse, in sickness and in health.  Mom was an example to the rest of your large family.

We loved Mom very much.

As I wrote for the May 2003 Deep Cove Crier, “Where would we be without our mothers?  Mothers keep the world on track.  Mothers never stop caring.  Mothers never stop giving.”

Mom modelled so much good through her caring for and serving others.  I became a Social Worker because of the anointing that I received from Mom to stand up for the oppressed and disadvantaged.  When I was going through teenage angst, she always deeply listened and stood with me, even though I was oblivious to her deep faith in Christ.

I know that there were times when I was a teenager when Mom stayed up late waiting for me to come in.  I probably helped deepen her prayer life during those times.

When our three boys were young, Mom was so willing to help us out, looking after them so that we could have a night off, or attend a conference.  The thousands of meals that Mom cooked for us over the years have always been delicious, a sign of her great love and care for your family.  Food indeed is love.

Whenever birthdays came along, Mom always invested so much of herself in getting us just the right present.  Being an artist, Mom had that great sense of colour co-ordination when she gave us new Christmas sweaters.

Mom, like her own mother, was a true worshipper.  Her faith has been a great inspiration to me.  Thank God for my mother inviting me to supper with Jesus, when I was wandering in the wilderness, lost and hungry.  I am a better person today because of that unfailing love she showed me in season and out of season.

Her worth as a Mother is beyond measure.  Mom is loved, appreciated and valued not only by your son, but also by Almighty God.  He loved Mom enough to give his only son for her.  Words cannot express what Mom mean to me and to your loving family.  Happy Mother’s Day.

Rev. Dr. Ed Hird

-an article for the May 2017 Deep Cove Crier/North Shore News

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you. 

-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a personally signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.


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My Father the Family Historian

By Rev Dr Ed Hird

 

I share my late father’s fascination with history.  My father loved to read, research, and learn. ‘Like Father, like Son’ is true in so many unexpected ways.  Like my father, I want to keep learning and growing until I leave this planet earth.  I believe that we either grow or shrink. You can’t remain static.

Like my dad, I have become involved in the area of writing and journalism.  My father was a writer and then the editor of the Telecom Advisor  for over 15 years.  From 1988 to 2018, I was privileged over the past 30 years to write over 360 articles for the Deep Cove Crier, and for ten years (2,000 to 2,010) co-ordinated the ‘Spiritually Speaking’ column for the North Shore News.

It is wonderful to have a father who has modelled helpful skills.  Whether it was helping my father to cut wood with his skillsaw or to cut the grass, my dad always was a coach, a mentor, and an equipper who loves to help me discover new abilities.  If my dad was excited about a new book or a new movie, he eagerly shared his enthusiasm and invited our participation.  I also find myself being that way with my own three sons!

One of my father’s trademarks was that whenever the family gathered for holidays or birthdays, out came his video camera!  In the early days, video cameras required painfully bright backdrop lights.  We would all groan when the bright lights came out, but later be thrilled by the immortalized visual memories.

My family and my father are wonderful gifts that I appreciate more and more as I become older.  Family for me is inextricably connected with thousands of unforgettable and often hilarious memories.  It is also connected with times of great sorrow and loss, great joy and celebration.  Family is birthdays, weddings, funerals, baptisms, anniversaries, graduations, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, and yes, Father’s Day.  My life would be much less rich without the gift of my family and my father.

One of my father’s most memorable projects was his family memoirs.  The term ‘memoir’ comes from the French ‘memoire’ for memory.  We as Canadians are a nation that often suffers from cultural and spiritual amnesia.  We so quickly forget the wonderful stories of our pioneering ancestors who helped make Canada what it is today.  My dad often commented how he wished that he had listened more closely as a teenager when his now deceased aunts and uncles would talk about family history.

Just like the famous Afro-American ‘Roots’ Book & TV –mini-series, my father’s memoirs are helping me understand better who I am and where I have come from.  My Dad, as an electrical engineer, loved anything to do with computers and telecommunications.

Through the use of a scanner and PhotoShop, my Dad incorporated in his memoirs over a hundred pictures that capture the essence of our family life.

So much family history functions as oral tradition that can easily be lost or muddled within one generation.  Much of Canada’s rich Christian heritage is being lost precisely that way.  Psalm 102 says: ‘Let this be written for a future generation…’.  By my father’s writing down his memoirs, I will be able to pass this gift of history onto my children and future grandchildren.  They too will be able to learn the exploits of their grandfather being raised in a coal-mining town outside of Edmonton, helping his blacksmith father shoe horses, serving as an Air Force WWII wireless radio mechanic in the Queen Charlotte Islands, becoming an electrical Engineer at UBC, becoming President of Lenkurt Electric, before becoming a hi-tech communications consultant.  The inspiring thing about my father was that he has always been able to ‘re-invent’ himself.  When one door closed in his life, he would always find another door that would open.  Like my hero Winston Churchill, my father never, never, ever gave up!  He also never gave up in writing his memoirs.

The Good Book says: ‘What we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us, we will not hide them from our children; we will tell the next generation…’ (Psalm 78).  My Father’s Day prayer for fathers reading this article is that each of us will have the courage to never give up, and the wisdom to transmit the cultural and spiritual gifts of our family history to the emerging generation.

The Reverend Ed Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin

-previously published in the North Shore News/Deep Cove Crier

-award-winning author of the book Battle for the Soul of Canada

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you.

  •  

-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a signed copy within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.