The Beautiful Snow

I know it has been a long time since I have written a blog, but I wanted to share a poem with you.

The following has been taken from the Union Almanac for 1866 or 1867. The poem itself was published in part in 1869 in a book titled Beautiful Snow; and Other Poems by the publisher T.B. Peterson & Brothers (Philadelphia).

In the early part of the Civil War, one dark Saturday morning in the dead of winter, there died at the Commercial Hospital, Cincinnati, a young woman over whose head only 2 and 20 summers had passed. She had once been possessed of an enviable share of beauty, had been as she herself said, “flattered and sought for the charms of her face,” but alas, upon her fair brow had long been written that terrible word—fallen!

Once the pride of respectable parentage, her first wrong step was the small beginning of the same old story over again, which has been the only life-history of thousands.

Highly educated and accomplished in manners, she might have been helpful in the best of society, but the evil hour which proved her ruin was but the door from childhood, and having spent a young life in disgrace and shame, the poor friendless one died the melancholy death of a broken-hearted outcast.

Among her personal effects was found in manuscript “The Beautiful Snow” which was carried to a man of culture and literary tastes, at the time editor of the National Union. In the columns of that paper, on the morning following the girl’s death, the poem appeared in print for the first time. When the paper came out, the body of its author had not yet received burial. The attention of a leading American poet was directed to the newly published lines and he was so taken with their stirring pathos, that he followed the corpse to its final resting place.

Such are the plain facts concerning her whose poem will long be regarded as one of the brightest gems in American literature.

The Beautiful Snow

Oh the snow, the beautiful snow.
Filling the sky and earth below.
Over the housetops, over the street,
Over the heads of the people you meet.
Dancing, flirting, skimming along,
Beautiful snow, it can do no wrong,
Flying to kiss a fair lady’s cheek,
Clinging to lips in frolicsome freak.
Beautiful snow from heaven above
Pure as an angel, gentle as love.

Oh, the snow, the beautiful snow,
How the flakes gather and laugh as they go,
Whirling about in maddening fun,
It plays in its glee with everyone.
Chasing, Laughing, Hurrying by,
It lights on the face and it sparkles the eye.
And e’en the dogs with a bark & bound
Snap at the crystals as they eddey around.
The town is alive and its heart is aglow
To welcome the coming of the beautiful snow.

How wild the crowd goes swaying along,
Hailing each other with humor and song;
How the day sleighs like meters flash by.
As with jingling bells they swiftly fly.
Ringing, Swinging, Dashing they go
Over the crust of the beautiful snow.
Snow so pure when it falls from the sky
To be trampled in mud by the crowd passing by,
To be trampled and tracked by thousands of feet
Till it blends with the horrible filth in the street.

Once I was pure as the snow, but I fell
Fell like the snow flakes from heaven to hell;
Fell to be trampled as filth in the street,
Fell to be scoffed at, and be sit on and beat.
Pleading, Cursing, Dreading to die,
Selling my soul to whomever would buy;
Dealing in shame for a morsel of bread,
Hating the living and fearing the dead.
Merciful God, have I fallen so low?
And yet I was once like the beautiful snow.

Once I was fair as the beautiful snow,
With an eye like a crystal, a heart like its glow;
Flattered and sought for the charms of my face.
Father, Mother, Sisters all,
God and myself I have lost by my fall;
And the veriest wretch that goes shivering by
Will make a wide sweep lest I wander too nigh
For all that is in or about me I know
There is nothing so pure as the beautiful snow.

How strange it should be that this beautiful snow
Should fall on a sinner with nowhere to go.
How strange it should be when the night comes again
And finds me outside, weighed down by my sin
Fainting, Freezing, Dying alone,
Too wicked for prayer, to weak for a man
To be heard in the streets of the crazy town
Gone mad in the joy of the snow coming down;
To be and to die in my terrible woe
With a bed and a shroud of the beautiful snow.

Helpless and foul as the trampled snow,
Sinner, despair not. Christ stoopeth low
To rescue the soul that is lost in sin
And raise it to life and enjoyment again.
Groaning, Bleeding, Dying for thee,
The crucified hung on the accursed tree
His accents for mercy fell soft on my ear.
Is there mercy for me? Will he heed my weak prayer?
O God, in the stream that for sinners did flow
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

TWO EVENTS AT NORTHWOOD, ND

Today I'd like to share a review of a terrible tornado which lashed into the town of Northwood, ND, on a Sunday evening, August 26, 2007 at 8:50pm. The National Weather Service estimated that the tornado winds hit 170mph and was nearly a mile wide when it hit Northwood, a town of about 900 people. One man was killed, 14 people were injured and every building was messed in some way.

I'm going to deviate in this story and shall introduce our living in Northwood. We became residents there and our oldest one, Dayton entered 1st grade. Our daughters, LeAnn and Debbie also entered the school and all three graduated there. My husband Chester built a church in which both of us preached. Our children pursued further schooling, married, and settled down in different areas. Chet and I moved to Saint Thomas where we were invited to preach in churches of different denominations. Chester was taken suddenly to his heavenly home on July 16. 2003. I continued to live in my house there in St. Thomas.

I'm sure I did not tune in for the evening news on that August Sunday of 2007 as then I would have heard about the tornado. I immediately called Marsha Gunderson who was the Circulation Marketing Manager for the Grand Forks Herald. I knew her well as she and my daughter, LeAnn, were classmates and had graduated together. She sent me copies of the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Herald. I still have these copies telling of the horrible event.

The school was completely destroyed. Northwood had about 250 students from kindergarten through 12 grades. It was almost time for school to begin, and the school board voted to send the students to nearby Hatton School. Hours were spent as plans were studied for the building of a new school. A new location was made in the southwest area and the big project was begun.

It took years of completion and then big plans were made to have a celebration. Invitations were made. Articles in newspapers and posters were everywhere telling of the big celebration slated for July 22, 23, 24 and a special Sunday morning service. My three kids who had graduated in the old school planned to be there. Even I went with them as we had all been to the "Opsal Convention" only a couple weeks before this coming school event.

Oh, what a gathering and many class reunions. Even I was blessed by my children's joy of reaching their classmates. A huge banquet was held on the Saturday evening. Now it was time to say goodbye to our children as Dayton returned to Fox Lake, IL and Debbie Sue to Phoenix and I with Bob and LeAnn to Springfield. But there was a very important event to be before the month of July expired, and that was the marriage of Ryan to Kimberly in Montgomery, Alabama. All the Bachmans were there and had part in the wedding, even sweet little four year old Hope was the flower girl. Now it was time to go back home, so we traveled all day of August 1st as Bob had an important appointment Monday.

This has been a long blog as it is now. Monday, Nov. 1st and tomorrow is the big day when great decisions are made. I have had a couple phone calls and they mentioned the need of God in our government, so I trust we see some changes in our voting. God bless each of you. Love and prayers from Avis.

CONVENTION OF RELATIVES

I'm sure many of you have wondered what has become of Avis Osland. Did she die? Or perhaps her computer has produced its last blog? Or perhaps she had no more stories to tell. Well, none of the above statements are true. I just got over-run in many events and was unable to keep in touch with you. Please forgive me.

In the month of May, on its tenth day, Dawnetta and Travis Cooper and little Hope welcomed a baby girl. I am now a great grandmother for two beautiful girls.

Because of the long lap of days passing in May and June, I had little to write about. But when July jumped on the calendar, activities were multiplied. Bob, LeAnn and I left our homes and headed for Cavalier, ND, way up there, not far from Canada. What a joy it was to attend the Sunday service and receive hugs from so many. Monday, we traveled to Park River and I stayed with Sophie Loftsgard, and Bob and LeAnn picked up close friends and together they traveled on to western ND and spent days, coming back on Thursday and picking me up, we were soon back to Cavalier. The next day we traveled to Sisseton, SD and found a motel there waiting for us. After a good night’s rest, we were ready for the long-planned event called "The Opsal Convention."

Let me tell you about my nephew, Duane Opsal of St. Michael, MN. He had become so interested in Iver and Martha Opsal. They and 3 children had come from Norway in 1872 and settled in Yankton territory, SD, where Iver got employment on river boats, including the FAR West, which later brought supplies for Custer’s men. In the spring of 1879, they moved to Brookings where he farmed, and in 1897, they moved to Sisseton. Now their family had grown to 11 children and were scattered throughout the nation.

Using a computer, Duane began his search and was able to collect pictures of all 11 siblings and found descendants all over the nation. His next move was to plan an Opsal reunion in Sisseton and scheduled it for July 10, 2010. With emails, he listed available motels and airports in Fargo, ND and Watertown, SD. He also secured a large hall and caterer to serve a wonderful meal. The response was wonderful as they came from New York, Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas and elsewhere.

The interesting time was when individuals stood and related his or her Opsal relationship. I, Avis, and my sister Yvonne Carlson (who was not able to attend) were the last ones of the Ole and Ollie Opsal and we had all been born there and only left Sisseton after high school graduation. Uncle Edward Opsal had not married until he was 50 years, and two of his sons were there and were younger than Yvonne and I.

We moved outside to the beautiful South Dakota sunshine and then cameras were busy. The editor of the Sisseton newspaper was there and focused on many groups. Then many drove their cars to the nearby cemetery. Though the stones were old and faded, we could read the names of Iver and Martha Opsal. Other names were Ole and Ollie, my parents, two brothers and Duane's parents, Maurice and Arlette Opsal.

The one day celebration was limited for us to get and remember names and addresses, but a touching has touched us, knowing there are many Opsals, and we trust that some of our paths shall cross again.

As I conclude this blog, I'm thinking of another gathering, greater than any event we have ever attended. It will be the day when ''For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:16 17) I trust you are ready and looking for that day. God bless you. - Avis Osland

APRIL IS A BUSY MONTH

Again I am late in sharing a blog with you. I believe my last message with you was April lst. Just a few days later, April 6th, my sister, Wanda Mae Opsal, went Home to be with JESUS. She was 97 years, 10 months and 12 days. She had spent her school days in Sisseton, SD; graduated from North Central Bible College in 1934. She spent her following years in Sioux Falls. She had lost her vision, so life became very empty and she was anxious to go HOME. Yvonne Carlson and I are the last ones in our family, waiting for our homecoming days.

Later in April, Bob, LeAnn and I traveled to Colorado Springs, CO. and were welcomed by their son, Ryan Bachman.

Donald Steiger is Superintendent of the Rocky Mountain District Council and he and his wife Loretta live in Colorado Springs. Also living there is their son, Phil, who is pastor of Living Hope church and Ryan is associate pastor. A very interesting fact is that Brother Steiger and Bob are first cousins and Phil is a second cousin to Ryan

On Monday, April 26th, we all headed to Denver and then on through the beautiful mountains. I had never seen the mountains and was almost over come with their beauty and extreme height. The river rushed by us and then there was the train pulling its many coaches. Going through tunnels was something I had never experienced.

We reached Fruita, Co, where the Convention was held in Victory Life Church. Wednesday evening was the Ordination Service when Ryan Bachman was ordained. It was a precious service and the closing of the convention. We were especially blessed by being invited to share a lunch and visiting time. Brother James Bradford, speaker for the convention was also with us.

Oh, there was one more stop – in Littleton, a suburb of Denver. There we visited Joyce and Larry Wynkoop. Joyce is a sister to Don Steiger and also is a cousin to Bob.

After a nice time of visiting, we were on our way, a long way yet to Springfield, MO. We arrived at our homes, Friday, April 30th.

STORIES OF DAYS GONE BY

Dear friends, today is April first! I looked over my file with its eleven blogs I have shared with you. I see I sent you a Valentine story and haven't written since. Please forgive me for my failure in not MARCHing to you in the month of MARCH. I'll try to MARCH over those past events.

On February 19th, I flew to Phoenix, and my daughter Debbie Sue Estrada was there to meet me. The flight landed at 11:25 pm (AZ time) and Jeff and 6 year old Raegan were sound asleep. First thing to see next morning was Jeff's garden in his back yards. While there, we had some beet leaves for a meal. I'm sure they are enjoying other foods before the hot weather comes on to destroy.

On Sat, Feb 27th, a Convoy of Hope was held in El Mirage. There was a massive turn out and I hardly knew any one. I was happy to see Pat and Mel Holmquist who were workers at one of the gates. I attended with my family at the Church of the Nation, and there I met a lady who had grown up as a little girl in Sisseton, SD.

Also, there were relatives to visit. There was Adeline, my sister-in-law; Marilyn, a niece; Jason and Natalie Bachman; and of course Bob and LeAnn had been there working with Convoy of Hope.

After 3 1/2 weeks in AZ, I flew back to my apartment in Maranatha. It was late so I didn't see any one until the next morning. While in Phoenix I had received news that Paul Hild had died. He and his wife Myrtle were close friends of mine, having met them many years ago when we were students in North Central Bible School.

There may soon be a great Home-going when the trumpet shall sound and all who had died knowing Jesus and those alive serving Him will rise to meet Jesus and be with Him for all eternity. There will be no more blogs, but together we will sing and shout to our wonderful Saviour.

I want to meet you there!!!

Valentine Day

A few days ago I looked at my calendar and tore off my January page, knowing that those 31 days were forever gone. And there was February with its 3 less days than January and each day stretching out its length with brighter hours. Probably I welcomed February because of the birth dates of two of our presidents, Lincoln, on the 12th and Washington, the22nd. I enjoy history and have read many books about both of them. I always reminded my husband that my half year birthday came on the 22nd. Well, I'll not tell you about the results.

Of course the day that we recognize in February is the 14th day known as Valentine Day. I assume most of you are acquainted by a physician named Valentine who had been imprisoned by Claudius II, a Roman ruler who hated all Christians. The jailer had asked if he could bring his blind daughter to meet Valentine whom he hoped might be able to teach his daughter. So she came often and asked many questions of Valentine. One day as they were praying together, suddenly a brilliant light filled the cell. Julia shouted, "Valentine, I can see! I can see!" Together they thanked God.

The evening before Valentine was to be killed, he wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God, and signed it "From your Valentine." His death sentence was carried out the next day, Feb. 14, 270 A.D. near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini. This special day with its message of love and affection is recognized the world over.

I remember those days with the big decorated box which stood on the teacher's desk and when the special day came and the lovely cards were passed out. With the passing of years, I have seen my children and grandchildren enjoying the giving and receiving of those cards.

But I must tell you of another "Valentine" whom I greatly love. "God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son (His Valentine) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life. (John 3:16) Over and over the word LOVE is used in the Bible. Jesus said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love." "That ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (Verses found in chapter 15 of St. John)

Yes, our heavenly Valentine gave His life on an old rugged tree that we may be saved. I love the old songs which tell of His love. Jesus loves me this I know! Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me.

The old Feb. 14, Valentine Day, we remember annually. But our heavenly “Valentine” must be honored daily as we read His word and worship Him in prayer. As I am now completing my blog, I thought of something that makes me excited and happy. When we all get to heaven, we'll meet our Jesus, our Valentine. We will also meet the Valentine who led little blind Julia to Jesus who restored her sight. Oh, what a day that will be! Will you be there?

Once Upon a Time… the Story Continues

In a previous blog I mentioned my daughter, Debbie Sue of Phoenix, who was with us at ND Bible camp. Now I want you to hear about her. Actually, I must go back several months when she had been diagnosed by a doctor in Phoenix who said she had a brain tumor. Debbie's sister-in law, Susanne Estrada, and a friend, Laura Conner, both had read of tumor surgery done through the nose. Laura told Deb of the University of Pittsburgh, PA, Medical Center, and suggested Deb check out its website. It wasn't long before Deb and hubby Jeffery were air born to PA and on June 4th she underwent an 8-hour surgery.

Bob and LeAnn traveled and arrived in Pittsburgh, June 8th. Deb was released from the hospital but had to stay in the city for further doctors' exams. Jeff flew back to Phoenix and the Bachmans stayed with Deb. Bob, a worker in Convoy of Hope, drove to Harrisburg, capitol of PA, and there he met with a statesman, relating the agricultural program which has interested many farmers.

When Deb was released, she traveled with Bob and LeAnn back to Springfield and then on to Bible Camp and other places which I've told you of. The last I wrote to you was of Debbie and I flying to Phoenix. I was going to stay with her and help her, after her big surgery.

New adventures and new friends were awaited me in Phoenix. While at the camp in ND, Deb had met Grace Walker, an old friend from when they met together at youth camps. Now she was Grace Thompson and lived in Scottsdale. She drove to Deb's home and picked up Deb and me. She drove on to Surprise, AZ and there we met another friend, Grace Jacobson Ritter, who had been a young girl in ND and her family attended the church Chet and I had pastored. We had a great time, reminiscing of years gone by.

Another happy afternoon was spent with Melvin and Pat Holmquist in their lovely home in Sun City. My grandson, Jason Bachman of El Mirage, AZ had been at their home, some time ago where he had helped pick grapefruit which were brought to friends in MO. So Jason took me to the Holmquists. I had learned that Pat was a sister of Thomas Trask, whom I had met in years back and so I was anxious to meet her. Another brother, Ray, and his wife Marjorie were also there and I had met them many years ago in ND. I was so blessed to be with these dear ones of the family of God.

I was in Phoenix almost four weeks with Deb, Jeff and their 8-year-old daughter, Raegan who kept us all happy. The only thing I did not appreciate was the hot temperatures. Chester and I had always made our trips to AZ for Christmas and New Years.

Now, on Nov. 23 we are heading for ND and will be with all the Bachman families. I surely hope we will not have snow storms while up there. The beautiful snow we'll love, but if not wrapped in a storm. So may God bless each of you, and let us all be thankful for His blessings to us. Your writer friend, Avis Osland.