Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Embrace Family Time

June 16, 2021

Embrace family time
Our relatives are God’s gifts
Cherish time with them!

Bob & me with our son, Ty,
his wife, Monika, & son, Sam,
and her parents, Ruthie & Darrell,
and our grand-nephew, Liam

Lake Tahoe fun
A beautiful blue sky day
Comfortable breezes

Combined ages equaled 112
Ruthie & Kyle celebrated together
Faith and Kyle have a new puppy
“Poppy” will be a big dog before too long!

Visiting Faithy
And her brand new big puppy
Was a real treat

Two legs on the stairs
The other two on the floor
Poppy knows comfort!

Cosette in the puppy pool

Our great-granddaughter
Figured out how to cool off
Showed pup what to do

Fun at Faith & Kyle’s in S. Lake Tahoe
Our grandson, Jordan, (Daddy of Cosette)
watched while Faith & Cosette cooled their feet…
And then Cosette got totally wet
and had to wear her dad’s t-shirt

Faith had great hors d’oruvres
Then they barbequed chicken
No one went hungry

  • Faith & Kyle’s home
When we returned from a tour of Lake Tahoe,
we found a bear who had discovered
the garbage bag with BBQed chicken bones

The bear climbed a tree
To get away from people
Too full to climb far!

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
  • 4.
  • 5.
  1. A view of Lake Tahoe
  2. Jan & Bob at the lake
  3. Monika & Ty (the gracious hosts)
  4. Liam & Jodie (my niece & grand-nephew)
  5. Faith (my granddaughter)
  • Darrell & Bob at Ty’s in Placerville
    Celebrating family birthdays
  • Ruthie & Darrell Payne

When our son’s in-laws
Have time together with us,
Never lost for words!

Celebrate birthdays
Treasure the time together
Thank God for family

Cosette on horsey

Children grow up fast
Get together as often
As possibly can

Store up memories
Write – so you do not forget –
Take lots of pictures!

They came from southern California –
They came from Pennsylvania –
They came from Sacramento –
We came from Montana –
There were 16 of us for dinner!
When it’s shared family time,
the more the merrier.
Thank God for gracious family
who share their homes,
their beds, their food, their car…
… and best of all, their love.

Cousins – Liam & Sam

Next time we’re together,
it wouldn’t surprise me at all
if Liam is taller than Sam.
Like this sugar pine tree,
kids grow taller these days…
Must be all that family love!

I pray you have a loving family, too…
And you have many opportunities
To share family time together.

Cheers!
Have a great rest of your week.

I’ll see you tomorrow (God willing).

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Animals, blessings, children, Faith, Family, Gratitude, Haiku, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, nature, pets, relationships

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Embrace Loving Memories

June 14, 2021

In Loving memory
Of my dear, only sister
All of us gathered

Many remembered
The loving kindness of her
I wrote and read this poem:

Sisters are a real treasure –
A gift from Heaven with love.
Sally shared with me a relationship
Designed by God above.

When Sally and I were little,
Mom dressed me as her twin.
People thought we really were –
But she would say, “I’m the oldest –
so I win!”

I used to blame my sis for things
When I was the culprit – clearly!
“I no pick the flaws – maybe Sally d!”
Fist full of flowers, I’d point sincerely.

She never held it against me;
Her heart was too big for grudges!
Always first to shrug nd forgive,
She didn’t need a lot of nudges.

We both joined Turlock High Band;
Played clarinet – marched in every parade.
But she preferred being treasurer –
Being sure ny dues were paid.

When God gave out number sense,
I must have hid behind the door –
Or else I missed it because my sis
Had enough for the two of us -and more!

We never really competed with each other.
She did her own thing – for sure.
A more unique soul never existed –
Cut from a loving mold – honest and pure.

She’d give you the shirt off her back
If she thought you needed one –
And she never missed a potluck –
Or any other activity with games and fun.

Her closet was quite organized
From Valentine’s to New Year’s Day.
You never had to guess the holiday –
Her clothing was the display.

After God created Sally, though,
He threw away the mold.
No one earth could match
Her heart, her style – so quirky and bold!

Sally loved her family – of that we had no doubt.
She loved her church and her yippy pups.
She adored her Lodge sisters and her scouts.
She generously gave us oregano, bee stuff, and cups.

I smile when I look at her pictures.
They tell a story of a life filled with joy.
They help me recall my sister’s love –
And be grateful – She was the Real McCoy!

Here is Sally with my grandson, Jordan. The two of them shared a December 20th birthday.

I ended my remarks at Sally’s Memorial with this scripture:

1 Kings 3:12b
“…no one like you has been before you
and no one like you shall arrive after you.”

Rest in peace, Sis.
I’ll see ya later!

And my dear blogging friends, I’ll see YOU later, too.
Bob & I will head back to Montana via Delta Airlines tonight.
Your prayers for our safe travel and smooth connections will be greatly appreciated.

Category:

Bible Lessons, Family, life, Life and Death, Love, Memories, Poetry, prayer, relationships, writing

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Embrace Cherished Memories

June 12, 2021

Go back to your past
Embrace cherished memories
Cherish family

Yesterday we celebrated family as we gathered at our son, Ty’s place in Placerville, CA.
It was Ty’s mother-in-law, Ruthie’s birthday (behind me on the left with hubby, Darrell).
We are so blessed to have such a close, loving family! That’s my niece, Jodie,
on the right with her hubby, Bill, and son, Liam. Monika’s in back right.
Ty & our grandson, Sam are front left.

We were gathered not only to celebrate Ruthie’s birthday,
but the day before we all gathered at the cemetery
to honor the life of my sister, Sally.

Here is Sally on the right with her best friend, Bonnie Dauley, at a River Cats game.
Bonnie & many of Sally’s friends from the Sacramento area
joined our family & friends in Turlock for the lovely memorial.
It had to be postponed last December due to COVID.

It was a lovely, blue sky day. Here I am reading my poem about my sis to the gathering.
Sally’s ashes joined those of her husband and eldest daughter
in this beautiful spot where my parents’ ashes also are.

Bob & I have a “drawer” right next to this one where my parents’ ashes are.
You may think this is morbid, but I find comfort knowing
this detail is taken care of.
Do you relate?

Ty introduced the various speakers who remembered the best qualities of my sis.
The remarks helped solidify for us all what a unique person Sally was.
She was very devoted to her Rebekah and Odd Fellows Lodges,
so those organizations were well represented in the service.

Sally’s daughter (my niece, Jodie) has a best friend, Melissa,
who came from Utah to celebrate and honor the memory of Sally DeAngeles Butters.
Melissa has been Jodie’s best friend since early high school days.
What a blessing best buddies are!

My best CA buddy, Marcie, invited us to stay at her place –
and had a mini-class of ’57 gathering the night before the service.
What a joy to see my old high school buddies!
I was so busy enjoying them, I didn’t take any pictures that night.
Amazing!

Here’s Marcie out on her patio.
And below there is Bob… enjoying the beautiful California sunshine.

After the service, Jodie & Bill invited everyone to lunch at El Jardin in Turlock.
It was great food, and a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to connect.

Marcie & Ty with Monika’s parents and Bob’s brothers & sisters-in-law.
Below are three of my cousins, Jan DeAngelis Jones, Maria DeAngelis, and Leni Assali.
I had not seen them in waaaay too long!
(behind Jan is Tim Allen, who enhanced the ambiance with his music)

Jodie, me & Melissa… so good to have time together!

For dessert, we remembered my sister’s love of holidays
with cupcakes decorated with all her favorite days.

Wasn’t that a clever idea?

Before returning here to Ty’s in Placerville,
we stopped by my cousin,
Adrian’s in Modesto,
for more visiting time.

Adrian DeAngelis

Leni Assali & Laura DeAngelis

God bless Jodie & Bill!
They worked so hard to make this a memorable occasion –
One that honored my sister’s memory
and will live in our memories
for as long as we live.

We wish our daughter, DeAna, and her hubby Andre’ could have been here –
but they are in Switzerland. Too far to come … and they are busy with their restaurant right now.
But the picture above is De & Andre’ with Ty & Monika two years ago.
You can see they enjoy one another’s company!
My hope is that someday Ty & Monika can go to Vissoie
to visit De & Andre’ and their gorgeous Swiss Auberge.

Sante’, my friends.
Thank you for visiting JanBeek today
and sharing this important family time with me vicariously.
Today is more chance to spend time here in CA with loved ones.
We will have two of my other grandchildren
plus my sweet great-granddaughter,
Cosette, joining us today.

I hope you have a blessed weekend.
What are you planning to do?

Cheers!
See ya tomorrow (God willing)!
Love, Jan

Category:

blessings, children, Family, flowers, friendship, holidays, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, relationships, Travel

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Embrace Going Home!

June 8, 2021

Today we went to Bob’s old homestead.

This property on Geer Road in Hughson, CA
(just north of Turlock) is where Bob grew up.
His mom & dad started the Beekman Honey business
when Bob was a kid.
His mom moved to this place
from Pasadena when she was a small child.

Now Bob’s brother, Bruce, and his wife, Ann, have the place.
They have made so many improvements,
including the change of the old “Rumpus Room”
into a Honey and Wine Tasting Room.

The old windmill still stands,
and the hollyhocks that Bob’s mom planted
are thriving.
The bees love them!
Ah yes, this smells and feels like home!!

The Ranch is home to about 9 cats with nine lives each!
They all came to greet us when we arrived!

Out in the field Bruce & Ann have planted lavender.
It is a popular commodity in the Honey Tasting Room
along with other items such as honey-scented soaps,
various honey samples, and bee related items.

That house below – beyond the lavender field –
is where our daughter, De, and her husband, Andre’,
lived when they were first married.
Ah, memories!

Back at Bruce & Ann’s home,
which is just a quarter of a mile
through the almond trees from the bee ranch,
their oak tree has grown so large,
it hides the house
as you approach it from the driveway.
And the almond trees in the driveway are laden with nuts!!

But, as you get closer, you see the beautiful home –
And behind the house, the landscaping pulls you in!

It’s a gorgeous day here.
Wanna join me for a swim?
I’m outta here.
Too pretty to be at my computer.

See ya tomorrow. (God willing)
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Family, flowers, Love, Memories, relationships, trees

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Embrace 11-year-olds!

June 7, 2021

There is something so uninhibited about 11-year-olds!
Don’tcha just love ’em?
This is my grand-nephew, Declan.
We had such fun celebrating his birthday today.

You, my blogging friends, know I am in California right now.
Bob & I are here to spend time with his brother, Bruce (on the right)
and family before spending time with dear friends in this area
and then attending my sister’s Memorial Service.
Today was Declan’s 11th birthday celebration.
The weather could not have been better!

You can see Bob in the purple shirt on the left…
and my sister-in-law, Ann, right behind me on the right.
In front of Bob is Sarah, our nephew’s wife.
She’s the mom of the birthday boy!
It was great to celebrate with family.

This is Bob’s brother, Bruce & his wife, Ann.
They are such gracious hosts and loving grandparents.

Happy Birthday, Declan!
We are so happy to have been able
to celebrate your birthday with you!
You’re growing up so fast!!

This is Declan’s sister, Fiona, and our nephew, Zak.
Our family members have matured so much since we saw them last.
Time marches on. The pandemic kept us away from one another over a year.
So good to be together again!

I hope you are having the opportunity
to reconnect with your distant family, too.


Life is a swiftly flowing river of love.
Embrace those children every chance you get.


Thanks for visiting family with JanBeek.
I appreciate you!

More tomorrow…

Category:

children, Family, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, relationships

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Embrace Great-Grandchildren


I am so blessed!
To live long enough to
Embrace Great-Grandchildren
is such a gift!

This is Cosette.
She is the darling offspring
of my grandson, Jordan,
and Joss – his significant other.

Joss is such a caring and happy mother!

And I cannot believe how tall Jordan has grown.
What a good daddy he is!
Here we are at church together yesterday morning.

Can you believe how tall (6’4″) my grandson is?
Never in a million years when he joined our family
at the age of 3 did we imagine he’d grow to this height!

In this photo, Jordan is the “Tin Man” sitting next to my sis, Sally.
Jordy and his siblings each are adopted…
gifts from God to Ty (back left in this photo).

Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old
they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

The church service was lively and invigorating and inspirational.

My heart is singing God’s praises.
How was your Sunday?

We’re having a relaxed morning before heading
to spend time with Bob’s brother & sister-in-law
and their family in central CA.

How are you spending your week?
I hope you are well …

I am including love
and lots of well wishes here for you.
Pray for my daughter-in-law, Monika, will you?
She has a miserable case of the flu.

See ya tomorrow
(God willing).
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, children, Faith, Family, God, Gratitude, happiness, Love, music, prayer, relationships

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Embrace Change

June 6, 2021

Reason- change-smile.jpg

They say a picture’s worth a thousand words,
But a smile is even greater.
It’s personal, it’s contagious,
It can melt the heart of a hater.

This is my daughter’s cheery face.
It glows and grows across the miles.
She lives in Switzerland,
But the airwaves carry her smiles.

De's smile - new glasses.JPG

If you see someone without a smile,
You have smiles to spare you know,
So give ’em one of yours.
It’ll set their heart aglow.

68836498_10157098454518141_7697538446289534976_n

There!
I saw you smile 😉

68254518_876196136100633_7379018290024153088_n
Back atcha…
Ya sent me one of yours, so
Here’s one of mine!

cropped-snapchat-me
If you want to see more smiles,
Embrace the ability you have to be
The catalyst for spreading love
I Smile at You – You smile at me!

Change happens one at a time –
One smile, one thought, one act.
Embrace change. It is your friend.
Without change, we’d die. That’s a fact!

See ya later!
Have a fabulous Sunday!
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, friendship, Giving, happiness, Life's Challenges, Love, Poetry, relationships

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Embrace Travel

June 5, 2021

It’s fun to take a trip every now and then.
I’m so grateful that the opportunity to fly
from Montana to California is available to us now.
We had to cancel the trip last December
because of COVID-19.

But
– thank God –
we are able to use those tickets now…
and here we are!
On our way…

There’s Bob
– waiting in Salt Lake City –
for our connecting flight to Sacramento…

And I am communicating via WhatsApp
with our daughter in Switzerland…

Don’t you love the way the internet shrinks our world?
Hi DeDe!

Hi Mom & Dad … safe travels!

It’s a beautiful day here in Placerville, CA at our son’s house.
Ty & Monika treated us to an afternoon at a beautiful winery.
It’s just a short, lush, windy, oak-studded 30-minute drive
up the El Dorado hills from their house
(with lots of squirrel overpasses).

Love it!!

We enjoyed an afternoon of wine tasting and beautiful hors d’oeuvres in this wonderful setting.

My grandson, Sam, enjoyed a good book
and some snacks at a table of his own.
The weather was perfect!

Then we came back to Ty & Monika’s for a BBQed chicken dinner out on their lovely patio.

Ty at the barbecue with his bottle fence in the background

Don’t you think this is a clever use of old wine bottles?

Moni, Ty, Bob, Sam & I enjoyed chatting time
while the chicken was smoking on the Traeger.
(Monika is taking the photo)

Their BBQ patio area is covered with grapevines.
I love the way the sun plays with the leaves
and highlights the baby grape clusters!

I hope you have a relaxed Saturday, dear friends.
You can be sure, I will be thinking of you –
and praying your weekend is
as wonderful as mine
promises to be!
Peace.

Embrace Travel Opportunities.

After more than a year of missed family gatherings,
we certainly will never take them for granted again!

This sign is at the base of one of those grapevines.
Such comfort in knowing God’s gotcha covered…
… no matter where you are.

Shalom


See ya tomorrow
(God willing).

Love & Peace to you,
JanBeek

Category:

children, Faith, Family, Gratitude, holidays, Living in Harmony, Love, relationships, Travel

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Embrace Storytelling

June 3, 2021

Don’t let your stories
Die inside you when you’re gone
Let stories out now

We are headed to California to spend time with our son and his family and with Bob’s brother and his family.

With my niece and her family, we will have the Memorial Service for my sister that had to be cancelled last December. My niece wants me to say a little about my sis at the memorial service. Where do I begin? Where do I stop? How do I choose? There is so much to tell.

That picture of the two of us was taken 30 years ago at my daughter’s wedding. It brings back so many memories!

There is Sally with her two nephews and two nieces (our son’s children)… taken when the youngest two were around 8 years old. They are 25 now! I could write a book about my sister’s affection for holidays and the joy she got out of dressing up for each one of them. Her closet – full of clothes – was arranged according to holidays!

I don’t have to tell you what time of year this was! She and GiGi (or was that MeMe?) were headed to celebrate with us. Life with Sally was one celebration after the next. Lordy! Don’t let the stories die with her. Keep them alive!

Let those stories out
Just Embrace Storytelling!
Share more tomorrow…

Lord help the mister
Who comes between me and my sister
And Lord help the sister
Who comes between me and my man…
(or something like that… hah!)
We never had that trouble!

… but isn’t that a cute song?

Category:

Family, Haiku, holidays, life, Love, Memories, music, Poetry, relationships

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Embrace Gladness

June 2, 2021

What has made you glad today?
Are you thanking God for this day?

I will reJOYce for He has made me glad.
This is such a beautiful spring day –
The weather is a gift from God
and
My dear husband, Bob, has our yard
Looking like a very inviting park.

Come sit awhile with me.
Enjoy the birds singing.
Enjoy the sunshine.
Let the peacefulness
of the mountain vistas
Make you glad!

Our robins are such a treat.
They make me glad!

Let your heart sing with the music of the birds!
So beautiful!

I had a yellow chested blackbird singing to me this morning-
-and while up in my sanctuary, a pair of doves
landed on the garage roof
and sang their hearts out.

(Thank God
it wasn’t those
“common cranes”
or the “snipe”
or the “corn crepe.”
Those would have driven me crazy!

(If you glide your cursor over the red line on the video,
it will tell you what kind of bird you are listening to.

The European turtle dove sounds like those we have here.
They make me glad!

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Our friend, Jim, took a break
from his yard work today
and came to visit for awhile.

Friends who drop by to visit
make my heart glad!

Tomorrow I get to spend time with his wife,
my good friend, Terry.
We’ll share a lunch and catch up on life.
Sharing life with friends makes me glad!

This blanket’s a gift from Terry.
Seeing it, wrapping myself up in it,
that makes me glad!

“Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.”

Psalm 100:2

What makes you glad?

Share with me…
Your comments make me glad!


EMBRACE GLADNESS!

See ya tomorrow.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek!

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, flowers, friendship, God, Gratitude, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, Montana, music, nature

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Embrace Majestic Calmness

June 1, 2021

Happy June 1st to you.
The “Official” start of summer!
And we finally have springtime in the Rockies.

Life can be hectic
Embrace Majestic Calmness
Play some “Spa Music”


Life can be stressful
Embrace Majestic Calmness
Take a walk outside

Life is difficult
Embrace Majestic Calmness
Take some time to pray

A life filled with faith
Embraces Everyday Calm
Knowing Who’s in charge


Have a Terrific Tuesday, my friends.
I hope you’re enjoying that spa music
And it is calming your soul.

What other ways do you have for finding calmness?

See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, Faith, flowers, God, Haiku, health, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, Montana, mountains, music, nature, peace, Poetry, prayer

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Embrace Veterans & The Trinity

May 30, 2021

Today in the USA it is Veteran’s Day.
(Oooops! Nope, it’s Memorial Day!)
World-wide it is Holy Trinity Sunday.

Veteran’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor
the men and women who are or have served
our country in the military. It is a day to
thank God for four freedom and to remember
the men and women who fought to keep us free.
(It is Nov. 11th. I get it mixed up with today…
the last Monday in May:
A day to honor those who DIED
while serving our country.)

My day started in my sanctuary as it usually does –
A place where I feel the Holy Spirit alive and well.
There, I pray to God, learn from His Son’s life,
And listen to the Spirit guiding me.

Downstairs, I joined Bob who was busy fixing fruit
For our breakfast. It was a beautiful blue sky day.


After breakfast, we went to church where I was a greeter
And Bob read scripture. As usual, I took sermon notes.

Chuck Wright delivered the message:
“Holy Trinity.”

Here are the notes I took as I listened:

Inspired by: Romans 5:1-11

We have been justified by faith.
We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
We rejoice in suffering, for it brings perseverance.
We were powerless until Christ came to this sod.

We received reconciliation throgh the cross.
The Holy Trinity, the Godhead, is God, Son, Holy SPirit.
The word “Trinity” is not in the Bible, but
The separate parts are there. With ears, hear it!

Jesus existed at the beginning of time.
He came to earth for the purpose of saving us.
When He ascended back to His Heavenly home,
He put the Holy Spirit in our hearts, engraving us.

We are marked by the blood of Jesus.
We remember His blood and body in communion.
We celebrate the spiritual world of God,
Knowing His Trinity is present in our world – in union.

In union, the Father, Son, and Spirit are one.
Understanding that is beyond our comprehension.
So we read His Word. study His Son’s life,
And listen for His Spirit in us. Pay attention!

God is love. Love is from God. We’re gifted with it.
God sent His Son to the world to show us how to love.
Christ died for us that we might live forever
In Heaven with God – our Eternal Home above.

Back home, the focus was on Veteran’s (nope… Memorial Day) weekend.
Tomorrow (now it’s today) we will go to the Ennis Cemetery for a special service.
Then we will attend a Memorial Day Barbecue at the rodeo grounds.
It started out as a meal for veterans and their families only…
but then it grew exponentially until it’s “Ya’all Come!”
They anticipate there could be as many as 500 diners.
I’m praying for the dear guys who are preparing the food.
God bless ’em! I hope they survive it!
Tonight I watched a Memorial Day Concert…
My favorite was the playing of TAPS.
It was beautiful!

If you are in the USA, what will you do to celebrate Memorial Day?


If you are in another country, do you have a day comparable to this one – when you honor those people who served and died while in the military (in the act of service to preserve your country’s freedom?) How do you thank those who serve your country in this way?

And how about the Trinity? Is it a part of your understanding?

I am grateful for your visit here today.
Thanks for reading JanBeek.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, Giving, God, Gratitude, holidays, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Love, Memories, music, Serving One Another

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Embrace Outcomes

May 29, 2021

Mike & Karen Crowley hosted the appetizers

When a friend comes up with an idea
And you concur, what do you do?
Do you encourage your friend to progress?
Do you join in and help the idea come true?

My neighbor, whom I had not seen in a while,
Said, “We need to have a get together.”
I concurred and suggested a dinner –
A progressive dinner – pray for good weather!

Well, the weather cooperated, and so did
The “Hood” – our neighbors on our ridge.
Last night we had a wonderful time…
Time to set aside masks – cross that bridge!

So we did it… the first hosts had appetizers.
Then it was lasagna at our house with yummy bread.
Across the road we went for dessert —
Our tummies and our hearts were well fed!

“The Hood” dinner at Beekmans
Rex & Penny served cake for dessert
The Hocking House is a perfect gathering place!

We are blessed to live in a place where we
All get along with our neighbors as friends.
We’re so relieved this pandemic’s isolation
Has finally subsided – The separation ends!

Penny & Rex’s cat supervised the event

When a friend comes up with an idea,
Encourage the thought and run with it!
You never know til you give it a try
How very much you’ll have fun with it!

Back at home – beautiful evening sky

The outcome of Karen’s idea to get together
As more successful than we could have guessed
So – if you have an idea, my friends, share it!
Don’t keep the outcomes buried in your chest!

What idea are you ready to share and run with?
Trust your instincts.
EMBRACE the OUTCOMES!

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”

Come join us for dinner!

See ya tomorrow.
(God willing!)
Have a great weekend.

Love, JanBeek

Category:

Animals, Bible Lessons, Family, food, friendship, Gratitude, happiness, life, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, mountains, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Embrace Native Americans

May 27, 2021

My friend, Doris, sent me the anonymous story below today. It made me cry.

My blog is all about loving one another by spreading love, joy, peace, faith and unity.

Treating each other with respect, giving each human his/her deserved dignity is paramount!

We need to spread the word, support and embrace our Native American families –
and help them live peaceful, healthy, productive lives wherever they choose to live.
We need to help them get an education equivalent to any other American, and
we need to STOP the discrimination.

We need to let every person – regardless of race or other personal qualities – work to achieve the “American Dream.” No holds barred!! Let’s do what we can to make this world a better place for ALL!!

.

Many thanks to “Dreamstime” for these lovely photos of a few Native American people:

Native American images

Here is the “anonymous story” …

A white man and an elderly Native man became pretty good friends, so the white guy decided to ask him: “What do you think about Indian mascots?” The Native elder responded, “Here’s what you’ve got to understand. When you look at black people, you see ghosts of all the slavery and the rapes and the hangings and the chains. When you look at Jews, you see ghosts of all those bodies piled up in death camps. And those ghosts keep you trying to do the right thing. “But when you look at us you don’t see the ghosts of the little babies with their heads smashed in by rifle butts at the Big Hole, or the old folks dying by the side of the trail on the way to Oklahoma while their families cried and tried to make them comfortable, or the dead mothers at Wounded Knee or the little kids at Sand Creek who were shot for target practice. You don’t see any ghosts at all. “Instead you see casinos and drunks and junk cars and shacks. “Well, we see those ghosts. And they make our hearts sad and they hurt our little children. And when we try to say something, you tell us, ‘Get over it. This is America. Look at the American dream.’ But as long as you’re calling us Redskins and doing tomahawk chops, we can’t look at the American dream, because those things remind us that we are not real human beings to you. And when people aren’t humans, you can turn them into slaves or kill six million of them or shoot them down with Hotchkiss guns and throw them into mass graves at Wounded Knee. “No, we’re not looking at the American dream. And why should we? We still haven’t woken up from the American nightmare. ~source unknown

Pray with me that the “American Nightmare” will end for our Native American people.
Work with me in ways we can help.

I give regularly to

St. Labre’ Indian School https://www.stlabre.org/

and St. Joseph’s Indian School https://www.stjo.org/

St. Joseph’s 8th grade 2021 graduates



These are legitimate places where the money donated is guaranteed to help Native American students. You may have other ideas for ways we can EMBRACE NATIVE AMERICANS. If so, I’d love to hear from you. It is waaaay past time for us to end the way in which these lovely people are downtrodden.

What are your ideas?

Category:

Faith, Family, friendship, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace, prayer, relationships, respect, Serving One Another

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Embrace Relief

May 26, 2021

When is the last time you felt relief?
Yesterday I told you my daughter bought a bike –
Not an ordinary bike – a big ole motorcycle!
She told me, “This one’s for ME!”

I thought that meant her hubby would have his,
And she would have her own to ride.
I told you I would not be eagerly anticipating that.
Well, come to find out, she would not either!

No, Mom… I am not driving a motorcycle…
We traded in our other one. Andre’ will drive.
It’s for me because it is more comfortable
And it has more space for carrying things.

Whew!
I am relieved to say the least.

How about you? Would you be up for driving this?
If that were your daughter, would you be relieved
That she is not intending to be in the driver’s seat?
Sitting in the rear is challenge enough!

Here’s my version of riding a bike:

Photo by Noelle Otto on Pexels.com

I thought that was pretty cute…
A pregnant mom on her bike,
Pulling a trike that’s for her child –
The one that was due in December of 2017.

That baby is nearly four years old now…
I bet it is a relief to have him/her
On that trike now.
Yup, Embrace Relief!!

This topic is a good follow-up
To the subject yesterday:
Embrace Expectant Waiting.
When what you’ve waited for comes…

It’s a relief!

Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels.com

R eady?
E agerly
L ive
I nto
E veryday’s
F antasy

Dream about what you want tomorrow to be.
Imagine the very best possible outcome.
Then pray your reality will be even more than that.
Feel the sense of relief when dreams come true.

Wrap your troubles in dreams
and dream your troubles away!

What a relief when sunshine follows the rain!

But don’t let the rain stop you!
Embrace the rain – dance in it!


Then pray for the sunshine to follow!

Photo by Jessica Lewis on Pexels.com

Don’t forget to thank God for those answered prayers!

Ah yes, it’s a relief when things turn out better than we even expected.

Photo by Nashua Volquez on Pexels.com

Thank you, Lord, for sparing us the worry
Of a daughter driving a motorcycle
On the narrow switchback Alpine roads.
It’s hard enough to trust her safety as a back seat rider!!

Ah what a relief it is!

See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Have a good night.
JanBeek

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Family, God, Gratitude, Life's Challenges, Love, music, Poetry, prayer, relationships, Travel

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Embrace Expectant Waiting

May 25, 2021

Are you waiting expectantly for something?
Somewhere in time what you long for
Is out there for you … you just need to
EMBRACE EXPECTANT WAITING.

(I recommend you listen to that gorgeous
piano and orchestra as you read this blog.
“Somewhere in Time” – so beautifully played
From Maksim Mrvisa/Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)

I have been waiting – trying to be patient –
This past nine months has felt a little like
The nine months of pregnancy:
Expectantly waiting for a new beginning!

But unlike the birth of a baby,
This wait has birthed for us
A new pastor for our church…
And now we have to wait.

Wait for the Presbytery to approve –
Wait for Mary Grace to check out of her college dorm
And check back into her home in Tennessee
And check out of there to drive here.

Meantime, as we wait expectantly,
God says, “Live in the now!
Every day is a new beginning.
Don’t waste today waiting for tomorrow.”

What are you looking forward to?
Are you waiting expectantly for retirement?
Are you planning a cruise or a vacation of some sort?
Are you anticipating a visit from special family members?

DeAna’s new toy

Our daughter, DeAna, who lives in Switzerland,
Is anticipating a trip to Turkey this September.
She bought herself a motorcycle so she can
Ride her own bike – not sit behind on her hubby’s.

I would not be looking forward to such a trip.
I’d be shaking in my boots! But Bob & I are
Eagerly anticipating a trip to England and then
On to Switzerland to spend time with De & family.

We also are expectantly waiting
For our trip to California next month.
We’re going there for my sister’s memorial –
We’ve waited half a year for this closure.

What are you expectantly waiting for?
It seems to me that life is more exciting
If you have something to look forward to.
Never stop dreaming about tomorrow’s joys!

While Mary Grace, our new pastor, was here last week,
The weather decided to rain and snow and blow.
It was mid-May for crying out loud! S’posed to be spring!
So we eagerly anticipated springtime’s return.

Yesterday when Mary Grace flew back to Virginia,
Montana was gray and cold – not looking like spring at all.
But today we had the most beautiful blue sky with
Puffy clouds and warm temperatures. Go figure!!

Our Madison Range was hidden behind grayness,
But today the gray lifted and beautiful snow-capped
Mountains emerged. That’s Jack Creek Canyon
And Fan Mountain out there. Come back, springtime!

Knowing I was missing the colors of spring,
My friend, Lisa, in North Carolina, sent me
Photos of her gorgeous roses in her garden.
I am expectantly waiting for our flowers now, too.

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with
all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
so you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Because the future SOMETIMES (often) depends
On what you do today, look for the joy and hope around you.
Do whatever you can to make today the best it can be.
Don’t worry about tomorrow. Just live today with joyful expectation.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Romans 8:24-25

“For in this hope we were saved.
Now hope that is seen is not hope.
For who hopes for what he sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see,
we wait for it with patience.”

We waited for the pastor candidate we did not see.
We waited for the congregation to vote affirmatively.
And now we wait for our Mary Grace to return
And begin her spiritual leadership in our church.

It’s hard to wait with patience, but we are told
Like those beautiful roses that sprang from a plant
That was brown and leafless in the winter,
The blossom will bloom – and it’ll be worth the wait.

My mom often told me when I was
Eagerly, anxiously, anticipating something,
“Cross that bridge when you come to it!” Good advice!
Go back now to the top now… and watch that musical video.

The images are wonderful. This bridge is one of them.
“Edited video Leonidas” – magnificent!
Worth the wait!


Tell me, what are you
expectantly waiting for?

Thank you for taking time to visit JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, flowers, God, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, Montana, mountains, music, optimism, relationships, Travel

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Embrace Pentecost Sunday

May 23, 2021

Pentecost Sunday at MVPC

Today is the day we have been waiting for: Pentecost Sunday.
It is the day our pastor candidate, Mary Grace Reynolds,
presented the sermon for our congregation.
She not only preached, but she did the whole sheeebang!

Her prayers, her management of the announcements,
her Call to Confession and Assurance of Pardon,
her Children’s message, the way she interacted
with young and old … all were so lovely, so perfect!

After the service, the members stayed and cast their ballots.
100% of the members voted to affirm her candidacy.
100% of the members voted to affirm her “Call.”
That included her salary package, reimbursable items,
and general terms of employment – no dissentors! Hooray!

The Holy Spirit came in tongues of fire to the people
On that first Pentacostal Sunday. It enabled the people
to speak in the language of their hearer… a miraculous day.
Today felt miraculous to me. Thank you for your prayers!

We all prayed for this vibrant, young pastor
fresh out of seminary –
ready to serve the Lord!
Mary Grace Reynolds

If you have followed my blog for a while, you know I post my sermon notes on Sunday afternoons. I take notes as I listen, and I try to capture the main points of the message in poetry. Here are my notes from today’s message:

A Greening

Inspired by the New Testament scripture:
Romans 8:18-30

Red is the color of love
. It’s cultural shorthand for things warm & vivid
It symbolizes the brightness of joy
Also paints emotions angry and livid

Red is the tongues of the Holy Spirit
Tongues of fire that came down from on high
Paul tells in the book of Romans
The meaning of the glory from the sky

The Holy Spirit brought hope to hearts
The Spirit intercedes for us
When we don’t put our scripture notes
In a binder & they shuffle, we fuss.

The Holy Spirit tells us to wait
Reorder the pages – and take a breath
Know that others are forgiving
They know a mistake is not sudden death

Going on – the meaning of colors –
The red enhanced by the color green
Is when the people tune back in
To hear the message – what does red mean?

The alms and cadavers and elements
Were explained as they impact the world
Hildegard’s approach to medicine explained
Kept us tuned in as new ideas unfurled

The power of nature to put forth healing
Was linked to the nature of creation
Nature is inclined to create new life
And it anticipates newness with elation

Humans, the Earth, and the Holy Spirit
Are trapped in a state of decay
The Holy Spirit gives us the tenacity
To hang in – to endure day by day.

The Holy Spirit helps us understand
The holiness of our yearning & pain
The pain is a signal that tells us
We need to endure, for God will remain

God gives us the Holy Spirit
To guide us into seeking solutions
Our hope is stored in what we don’t see
But leads us to resolution

It helps us resolve to be
The light that directs people to see
The Fruits of the Spirit in us
Lord, help the world see that love & peace in me.

Amen

My day started with a message from my friend, Lisa.
She sent me pictures of roses from her garden.
The red of these roses symbolizes love to me
And I share that love with you today, my friends.

Just as red comes in many shades,
So does the expression of how we care
Vary in a multitude of ways. Thank you
for reaching out and covering us in prayer.

God heard.
God answered.
God is good
All the time!

Welcome to Madison Valley Presbyterian Church, Mary Grace!

We are soooo delighted that the Holy Spirit led you here.

Lots of Love!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek on Pentecost Sunday.
Have a great rest of your day.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Gratitude, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Montana, prayer, relationships, sermon notes, Serving One Another, writing

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Embrace Trust

May 22, 2021

Where do you place trust?
Only in the hands of God.
Know He’ll pull you through!

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways submit to Him – and He will make your paths straight.”



See ya tomorrow.
Have a good night’s sleep.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, peace, Poetry, Promises

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Embrace Friends

May 21, 2021

Time to embrace friends
Time to invite them again
Leave the masks behind

Time to hug our friends
Time to share a laugh or two
A welcome relief!

May 21st and it’s snowing outside!!
Loved having the Feldmans & Lyons
here to meet Mary Grace
and share a meal with us
My Native American pancho
is just what MGR needed
to go out and face the bitter cold
The wind blew the snow
It fell and swirled all around
Indian blanket

Just grin and bear it
Don’t worry, spring will return
We will survive this!

My daffodils are probably toast
And the crocus will wait to return next year
They’re buried under four inches of powder
But the ground needs the moisture – never fear
The snow will melt and the sun will shine
By Sunday we could be wearing shorts
Keep an eye on the weatherman
But don’t put too much stock in his reports!

Pray for good weather Sunday!

We’re getting ready for Pentecost Sunday
Mary Grace will preach for the congregation
Afterward, at a special meeting, members will vote.
I’m praying we’ll have cause for celebration.

Pray with me, will you, my friends?
Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for dropping by.
See ya tomorrow.

JanBeek

Category:

friendship, Haiku, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Poetry, prayer

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Embrace New Beginnings

May 20, 2021

Mama Antelope with her babies in our front yard

Time for beginnings
Is now – this very morning
Baby animals

This “Puggle” says “Hello World!”

Baby platypus
Greets the world with a big wave
It makes me smile

Baby robins on our porch

Whether antelope
Or platypus or robins
Embrace beginnings

Mark 10:27

“Without God it is utterly impossible.
But with God everything is possible.”

Mary Grace Reynolds

Excitement revealed
These Eminent Beginnings
Readily perceived

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I’ve worked diligently for the 10 months with our Pastor Nominating Committee. We investigated more than 50 candidates, looking at their PIFs (Pastor Information Forms), texting, e-mailing, calling, ZOOMing, checking references, etc.

Our pastor of more than 30 years passed away over a year ago … and we have had the privilege of a wonderful interim pastor who stepped out of retirement to help us keep our church alive during this year of COVID-19. Not an easy feat!

We feel (as a Pastor Nominating Committee) that God spoke through the Holy Spirit to the young lady you see above. She is our chosen candidate – and we all love her! She will preach to our congregation this Sunday. The members will have a chance after meeting/hearing her to vote yay or nay on accepting her … and whether to accept the terms of employment that we and the church leaders (the Session) have put together for her.

This is definitely a time of “New Beginnings” for her – and for our church. Would you add your prayers to ours during this crucial weekend? I’d really appreciate it! I know God hears … and we just want His Will to be done!

The excitement is palpable!

Mary Grace – in front of the manse
(the church parsonage where she would live)

Bob (my hubby) has been working long and hard
(as the Elder in charge of Buildings and Grounds)
to get the manse ready inside and out for a new pastor.
He’s there now working on the stairs –
getting the old padding out
so the installers can come Monday
to put in new carpet.


It takes a village to accomplish all we’ve done.
Thank God for the church leaders
and our Nominating Committee
for their arduous work over the past year.

Have you ever served in one of those capacities
– selecting a new pastor –
or being in charge of buildings and grounds?
If so, you can relate
to what we’ve been through
– – – and are facing.

Prayers are really appreciated
for this exciting time in our church life.



See ya tomorrow.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
– and lending your support!

Embrace New Beginnings, indeed!!
There I was in 1965
with new beginnings
for our son, Ty!!

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Embrace Pianists

May 18, 2021

Laura Sullivan is a contemporary musician
whose original compositions
and renditions on the piano
accompanied by various instrumentalists
are a joy to listen to.

I almost always have music going on in the background while at home. Besides Laura Sullivan, I also put on You.Tube videos like this one: Water of Life – Peaceful Instrumental Hymns. Maybe, listening to this You.Tube hour and a half of music while you go about your business, you will embrace pianists, too.

Enjoy listening and watching –

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Do you have a favorite pianist?
(Roger Williams is one of mine.
I ask Alexa to shuffle songs by him frequently).

Is there some other instrument you enjoy listening to?

Do you play an instrument?

We couldn’t afford a piano when I was a kid growing up, but we bought a little accordion from my “sorta cousin” who lived next door. That accordion only had 8 bass keys, so it was limited to songs in the key of F, C, G or A.

Eventually my parents bought me a bigger one – with 120 bass keys – and that has been my instrument for at least 70 years of my life. The left hand buttons do not translate well to the left hand on a piano, but it is a fun instrument to play.

Embrace the Piano Accordion! When you play it, it’s like carrying a party on your back!

My maiden name is DeAngeles…
Yes, Italian… so you can imagine
that the Italian numbers
have always been my favorites.

Isn’t that a beautiful accordion in that video? And the scenes of Italy are enchanting. But, at the University of the Pacific where I was a student in the early 60s, I was told the accordion is not a “real instrument.” The professors and students made fun of my instrumental choice.

It’s true, the accordion does not have the capability of the piano.

I wish I had access to a piano as a kid growing up!

The piano is an instrument that provides a lifetime of ecstasy!
Even with arthritic fingers, a good pianist can still make it talk.
Notice how Roger Williams’ little finger curls up a lot of the time.
Interesting how he uses it sometimes, but not others.
My fingers do that, too…

My other instrument is the clarinet.
I can’t play it anymore.
My fingers won’t cover all the holes!
You don’t have to worry about that with a piano!

You can share a lot of love, joy and peace
if you can sit down at the piano and make it talk.
Know someone who can do that?
Embrace that pianist!!

What instrument brings love, joy and peace into your life?

Category:

Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace

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Embrace Need

May 17, 2021

When you think of the word, NEED, what comes to mind?
Do you think of what YOU need or what OTHERS might need?
Have you internalized the difference between NEED and WANT?

Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

Often “Wanted” signs express what someone thinks is a NEED.
Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

Daily there are folks who think they NEED
their Starbucks coffee first thing each morning
or they can’t get through the day.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels.com

T’was a time when folks thought they NEEDED
toilet paper stacked up in their garages.
Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava on Pexels.com

Now there’s a belief in some parts of the USA
that gas cans NEED to be filled and waiting for future use.
Because of a security breach, stations were shut down.
Folks NEEDED gas to get to their jobs or wherever…



What is on your NEEDS list?

I NEED hugs.
Physical touch is sooo important!
My husband thinks he NEEDS ice cream after dinner each night.

Learning the Difference
Between Necessity and Luxury

When our son, Ty, graduated from high school, he spent a year as an AFS (American Field Service) foreign exchange student in what was then Yugoslavia. He lived with a family who was communist. They wanted their son to learn English because the next year he intended to travel to the USA to attend college.

The family was “well off” by that country’s standards. The father was head of what we might call our EPA: “Environmental Protection Agency.” They lived in a small (less than 500 square feet) apartment in Beograd (Belgrade). The family of four had two bedrooms (one for the parents and one for their daughter), a very small kitchen, one bathroom, and a living room which converted into a bedroom at night for their son. Ty shared that space with the son.

Our son learned very quickly how very privileged he was growing up with us in California with plenty of space and a swimming pool in the back yard. He learned overnight the difference between necessity and luxury. He learned his NEEDS were much smaller than he once thought – and people could live happily with soooo much less.

We all NEED a friend-
and if you have a true friend,
you are rich, indeed!

Happiness does not NEED a big house, a fancy car, or a lotta money in the bank.
But, it does NEED at least one true friend… and a bunch of ’em is a bonus!!

Happiness does not need a room full of toys.
Children who can build their own tent,
play together in the woods,
and go home at the end of the day of play
to a loving family
and a nourishing meal
are blessed indeed!

I used to think that I NEEDED
a glass of wine and a sushi meal
every now and then…

… or a cucumber roll

But then I googled my needs and I discovered:

Hah! What do you NEED?

A pup to snuggle with?
All you NEED for Christmas
is your two front teeth?
Maybe all you need is
a blanket and a good book!
Sometimes all I NEED
is a nice warm bath!!
A baby only needs
milk, loving hugs, a clean body,
and a swaddling cloth!

And we all need a dream –
Someone who believes in us –
and encourages us –
and teaches us how
to live our dreams.

I NEED time in the wide open spaces,
time each morning in my sanctuary to pray
and to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance,
and I NEED music in my life…
because it lifts my spirits and strengthens me.

I don’t NEED a tattoo!
But, isn’t that a hoot?
I NEED laughter!

Hah!

See ya tomorrow.
Have a great rest of your day
wherever you are.

Embrace NEEDS.
See the needs of others –
and fulfill them if you can!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
I NEED your comments!

What are your NEEDS?

Category:

blessings, children, Family, friendship, Giving, God, happiness, Love, mental health, music, pets, prayer, relationships

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Embrace Focus

May 16, 2021

While you are thanking God
for making you human,
giving you courage to try hard things,
helping you learn and grow and
understand the lessons life has for you,
don’t forget to count your blessings!

Goodness
Surrounds you.
You’ll find it
If you look thoughtfully –
Blessings!

Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done

If that is your focus,
You won’t have time to
See the other side of the coin!
You’ll be too busy giving back!!

We are blessed
To be a blessing.
Count your blessings
See what God has done!

Focus on what you have
Not what you wish you had!
Use your gifts for others
And watch them come back multiplied!

Let’s grow flowers!

Plant the seeds in your garden carefully.
Make sure they are in rich, fertilized soil.
Keep your soul seeped in the encouraging
Words of scripture… and you’ll grow fruits of the spirit!

I am thankful for you,
Grateful for your presence in my life.
You’re the flowers in my life’s garden.
I feel blessed to have you visit JanBeek
Leaving encouraging comments.
Thank you!!

See you later.
Have a blessed day!

I’m off to church…
I’ll share my sermon notes later today.
Come on back!

Love, JanBeek

P.S. Did I tell you yesterday was my dad’s birthday? He would have been 110!!
One of my many blessings is having him for my earthly father.
Check out my blog from way back when –
when I posted a poem I wrote about my dad:

https://janbeek.blog/2018/06/16/memories-of-daddy/

Happy Birthday, Daddy!
I miss your hugs!

What tops your list of blessings?
What are you focusing on today?

Category:

blessings, Faith, Family, flowers, God, Gratitude, happiness, Love, mental health, music, optimism, Poetry, relationships, self-acceptance, self-esteem, Spiritual Gifts

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Embrace Goodness

May 15, 2021

Exodus 33:19

And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

When I ask God each day
To help me live in the Fruits of the Spirit,
I begin by thanking the Lord for
The love, joy and peace that are mine,
But then I ask Him to help me with
The patience, kindness, and goodness
Which do not always come naturally.
I ask for help with the faithfulness
Which brings blessings, and then
Help with gentleness and self control.

Those nine fruits of the spirit are God’s gifts.

Because I have the love, joy and peace,
I can give them away … and they return to me.
When I give love, I exhibit God’s gift through
My actions – and He multiplies it in me.

God’s goodness is exhibited in the gentle breeze;
It is felt in the warmth of the sunshine and in the
Heartfelt hugs of a friend who finally can come visit.
It is evident in every bird’s song and every flower’s blooming.

God’s goodness is in my hospitality – my open door.
God’s goodness is in my phone call or the note I send.
God’s goodness prompts me to share the Good News
And invite you to love God and trust His promises – as I do.

God’s goodness is in you!
Embrace Goodness –
And share it freely.
It will return to you overflowing!

Join the “Spread Goodness” Challenge –
Be the goodness you want to see in this world.
What can you decide to do right now
That will spread GOODNESS in your path?

As Nike says,
“Just do it!”

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow (God willing).

Good night!


Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, friendship, Giving, God, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Clear Conscience

May 14, 2021

Yesterday I wrote about embracing a clear conscience. Then I went up to my sanctuary and read some of my devotionals. As is often the case, I was astounded at how God synchronizes my reading and writing and my life.

One of my devotionals is a Bible Study published by the Moody Bible Institute, Today in the Word.

My friend, Caroline, and I are studying the books of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians. The topic on Wednesday was “Living with Integrity.” Integrity is one of my favorite words … one of the most important life concepts. Without it, there is no way we can have a clear conscience!!

Thessalonians 4:11

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.”

Photo by Gary Barnes on Pexels.com

A quiet life is one that knows when to tune out the thunder, avoid the noise and the crowds, and settle into a peaceful place where introspection is possible.

If we never steal ourselves away from the hustle and bustle long enough to look at ourselves honestly and listen to the Holy Spirit directing us, and analyze our thoughts and actions, how can we hope to live a life of quiet integrity with a clear conscience?

The Moody devotional reminded me:

“A quiet life does not mean moving to the country.
It can be described as taking care of one’s own responsibilities,
as opposed to meddling in others’ affairs.
Such a person is peaceable and respectful of others.”

When we stop,
take a break,
slow down,
and look around us
and inside our souls,
we open ourselves
to discover
the beauty
and the peace
around
and
in
us.

Peace be with you, my friends…
Peace – inside and out.

Amen

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.

I love hearing about how you’re doing…
What’s your secret to a clear conscience
and a peaceful existence?

See ya later! (God willing)

Category:

Bible Lessons, contentment, Faith, God, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, prayer

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Embrace a Clear Conscience

May 13, 2021

Having a clear conscience is one life’s joys.
Looking at myself in the mirror has to be
A time when I can honestly say to myself,
“I am being my best self. I like what I see!”

Life is not about being perfect.
Life is not about never making mistakes.
Life is about appreciation and forgiveness,
Loving God and one another – that’s what it takes.

A clear conscience doesn’t come because
You never say or do things you eventually regret.
It comes because you admit your failings,
Ask forgiveness, receive it, and then forget!

Don’t forget the lessons that you learn
From the errors you readily can see,
But put the mistakes behind you, never to be
Repeated – Never to divide you and me.

Photo by Deeana Creates on Pexels.com

I try not to let my faux pas get me down.
I know I am only human and I disappoint,
But I try not to become entangled in them.
There’s more to life than to finger point!

My conscience is clear when I know in my heart
That my motives were pure when I blew it.
So, if there’s more to it than admittance,
Remorse, and forgiveness, who knew it?

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Whatever I said or did to hurt you,
I really didn’t aim to bring harm.
So hug me, my friend, and forgive me –
So my conscience won’t sound the alarm!

I can embrace a clear, clean conscience –
One that is free to stand quiet and true
Before my Lord and Savior, my Maker.
I pray the same blessing, my friend, for you.

May you experience the “Sweet Forgiveness”
That Christ can provide so we can pass it on.
As we embrace a clear conscience, may we
Spread the love so others also have a Bright New Dawn.

1 Timothy 1:5

But the goal of our instruction
is love from a pure heart
and a good conscience
and a sincere faith.



I had not heard Gordon Mote before –
and I didn’t know this song. Was it new to you, too?

Do you have a clear conscience?
If not, is there something you need to
ask God to help you clear up
so you, too, can have a clean slate?

I invite you to contemplate
what that level of forgiveness
means in your heart
as you sit quietly for awhile
and listen to the soothing piano
of this “Gaither Instrumentals.”

Thanks for dropping by JanBeek today.

See ya tomorrow (God willing).

Category:

Bible Lessons, contentment, Faith, God, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, mental health, music, Poetry, prayer, relationships

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Embrace Uniqueness

May 12, 2021

Aren’t you totally amazed at how
The Creator made us each so unique?
No two fingerprints, no two zebra’s stripes
Are the same – – – just take a peek!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

No two sets of eyes, not even twins
Have exactly the same DNA.
No two cats – and no two dogs
Are just the same – no matter what you say.

Photo by Sam Lion on Pexels.com

No two leaves – nor clouds in the sky
Are just like any other one.
How did God create such uniqueness
In this world beneath the sun?

Photo by Vali S. on Pexels.com

No two ways of looking
At exactly the same motivation
will result in the same response –
Some see sadness others elation.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

It is our uniqueness that makes us
An interesting, diverse, beautiful world.
We fly our flags in different colors,
But in reality we’re all one world unfurled.

Photo by Shakeb Tawheed on Pexels.com
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Let’s embrace our uniqueness
And celebrate how we see things differently
While remembering we are more alike
Than not… and we’re all designed magnificently!

Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com

I am grateful for the unique qualities
Of each bird and fish and friend –
And I thank God for His imagination –
For His Creation – that has no end.

Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels.com

There’s no one on earth like me;
No one in the whole world like you,
So embrace your uniqueness, my friend…
Share with others your point of view.

No one sees life quite like you do.
No one can paint or write as you do.
Let your expression of life splash out of you
And help others see the world anew.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart,
yet so that he cannot find out
what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Just as no pot created on the potter’s wheel
Ends up looking just like another pot,
And yet each is beautiful in its own way,
So each of us beautiful – no one is not!

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Something beautiful, something good –
All my confusion He understood.
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife,
But He made something beautiful of my life.

Give your brokenness and strife to God.
Let Him make something beautiful in you.
Then share it – as only you can do –
So others can appreciate their uniqueness, too.

Use your unique qualities to make the world a better place.
Don’t judge others or turn them away because they’re different.
Embrace them. Love them. Appreciate the way they add color to your world.
Know God designed each of us intentionally … be reverent!

I love you, my friend.
Thank you for adding your uniqueness to my world.
See ya tomorrow.

Hugs,
JanBeek
(& Bob – my unique hubby)

Category:

Animals, Bible Lessons, friendship, God, learning, life, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, optimism, relationships, respect, self-acceptance, self-esteem

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Embrace This Moment

May 11, 2021

Embrace this moment
Let it be all that you need
Soak every part in

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

I’m outta here…

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

happiness, health, Love, mental health, peace, Poetry

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Embrace Harmony

May 10, 2021

Live in harmony
Let your steps dance to the tune:
“Embraceable You!”

Romans 12:16-18

Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be haughty,
but associate with the lowly.
Never be wise in your own sight.
Repay no one evil for evil,
but give thought to do what is honorable
in the sight of all.
If possible,
so far as it depends on you,
live peaceably with all.

Living peacefully
Brings out the best in others –
Invites harmony.

Photo by Candelario Benu00edtez on Pexels.com

Beautiful to see –
Guys who live in harmony –
Enjoy company.

The relationships
Born of friendship and shared joy –
Beautiful to see.

Photo by Gabby K on Pexels.com

Beautiful to be
Playing harmoniously –
Embracing friendships.

As my outer world
Reflects my inner spirit,
Harmony abounds.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is humanitylove.png

Happiness is when
what you think,
what you say,
and
what you do
are in harmony.

Mahatma Gandhi

My friend, Elaine Forsberg, recently left this earth for her eternal home. The memorial service for her was last weekend. She was a woman who raised her children to love God, follow Jesus, embrace harmony, and play harmonically. She did all those things herself. She taught by example.

Her son, Jim, plays the guitar and the saw! Her daughter, Peggy, also plays the saw… and the violin (magnificently). If you had attended Elaine’s service, you would have come away knowing this was a woman of great integrity – a woman who loved God – a woman secure in her destiny.

The Gandhi quote above fit Elaine Forsberg to a tee!

Besides loving God, Elaine loved music. She played the piano and made it possible for her children to appreciate the beauty of harmony.

The video below with its beautiful harmonies and gorgeous scenes of nature would be a favorite of hers. It’s a favorite of mine, I sang in the A Capella Choir all four years at the University of the Pacific. It was one of my favorite activities in college – and those harmonies still live in my heart.

To survive in peace and harmony,
united and strong,
we must have one people,
one nation,
one flag.

Pauline Hanson

My prayer today is this:

O Lord, may we learn to live in harmony.
May our world embrace harmonious unity.
Help us, God of Creation,
to learn to follow Your commandments.
There is no better way, we know, to live peacefully.
Help us “Embrace Harmony”
and spread its beauty to all we meet.
Today we focus on harmony, peace, wholeness, and joy.
Embrace us, O Lord,
as these thoughts flower in our consciousness –
and bring our dreams of world-wide harmony to vivid life.
Amen.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.

May you feel the peace of harmony
in your heart today.


God bless You!
See ya tomorrow!

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, friendship, God, Gratitude, Haiku, Jesus, Life and Death, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, relationships

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Embrace Anticipation

May 9, 2021

Woman learned birth mother was star on ‘That’s My Mama’

By Lisa Respers France, CNN

Updated 10:20 AM ET, Sun May 9, 2021 Lynne Moody in a promotional photo for the ABC TV series "That's My Mama." Lynne Moody in a promotional photo for the ABC TV series “That’s My Mama.”

(CNN)Lisa Wright always knew she was adopted, but had no idea her biological mother was a star on one of her favorite television shows.Now Wright is sharing the story of having been reunited with actress Lynne Moody after 50 years in what reads like the perfect Hollywood ending, according to NBC’s “Today.” “I grew up watching my mother on TV and didn’t even know it,” Wright told the morning show. “‘That’s My Mama’ — that was our must-see TV. We all sat down and watched ‘That’s My Mama’ every week, and who knew? No idea. … And that’s my mama!”

The series ran for two seasons on ABC from 1974-75. https://68151845e449bd7bd92b8064c37f7ae2.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Wright said she knew very little about Moody, who was 18 when she gave birth, and had a closed adoption.

“My (adoptive) mom told me, ‘Your mommy loved you, but she was really young, and she knew she couldn’t take care of you. I wanted the baby so bad, and that’s why your mom let me take care of you,'” Wright said. “You weren’t abandoned. This was just the best thing for you.”More of CNN’s Mother’s Day coverage

But encouraged by her son a few years ago to do genetic testing, Wright first tracked down an uncle who told her the family had been searching for her all these years and who led her to Moody, who, like her daughter, was living in Los Angeles.

Moody called her birth daughter.”A voice on the other end says, ‘Is this my daughter?’ And then I just went, ‘Oh, my God, is this my mother?'” Wright said. “And then she goes, ‘Yes, sweetie, this is your mom.’ It was just the most indescribable feeling.”It was a deep connection for Moody, who never had any other children and never thought she would find her beloved child.”When I found out that she was my daughter, at that moment, it was like I was giving birth,” Moody said. “Because I lost my legs, I was on the floor in a fetal position, screaming and crying. I didn’t know how deep that hole was.”

And the actress best known for roles in the TV series “Roots” and “Knots Landing” had a Mother’s Day message for all.”Life is full of surprises sometimes, so hang in there no matter what your circumstances are,” she said. “Be open to miracles, be open to surprises, and keep the faith.”

Photo by Fuzzy Rescue on Pexels.com

I have four adopted grandchildren. This story touched my heart for obvious reasons. On this Mother’s Day, there are many children out there who have been raised by loving adoptive parents. There are many biological parents out there who gave up their child for altruistic reasons. Some of them have located their children and have a happily-ever-after reconnection story. Others have reconnected, but the results were not so glorious. Still others have not tried to find their biological parents (or children) and live with that sense of unknowing, not sure that filling in the blanks would be helpful for anyone.

Whatever the situation, it is always heartwarming to me when I read about these cases of rejoining. It is sweet to know there are cases where the child can find his/her roots – and the parent can fill that empty spot with fresh discovery. I know when it happens and it is positive, God’s hand is involved… and it makes my heart sing.

I am grateful for the mom who gave her child up for adoption because she knew she could not provide a suitable home. I am equally grateful for the family who took the child in – and loved him or her completely – fully embracing him or her as their own.

On this Mother’s Day, may all those adopted children feel a sense of gratitude for the mom who gave them birth – and for the mom who raised them. May they know, whatever the circumstance, they are loved. They are wanted. They are not an accident. God don’t make mistakes!!

Embrace Anticipation!
You never know what God has in store for you around the next bend.

Happy Mother’s Day!
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

children, Family, Giving, Life's Challenges, Love, music, relationships

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Embrace Mothers


Me n Mom

Happy Mother’s Day to our moms!
Whether they are alive or dead,
They live daily in our thoughts –
Either lovingly or with dread.

Some folks weren’t as lucky
As I feel I was born to be.
I had a strong-willed mother
Who passed her strength on down to me.

Mom & Dad

Mom moved from her home in Washington
To marry my handsome Italian dad.
She spent her life in central California.
Musta made her mother rather sad.

Mom raised me and my sis, Sally,
To learn to stand on our own two feet.
From day one we were taught to know
School wasn’t done ’til college was complete.

She was born fifth of six children –
And her dad died when she was a teen.
College wasn’t an option for her, but for sure
Her girls would experience that scene!


Sally, Dad, Mom & me

Sally went to Jr. College and Brigham Young.
I graduated from University of Pacific (UOP).
Mom was pleased as punch to know –
If I needed to, I could take care of me!

She and Dad were great supporters
Of Bob & me their whole lives through.
I couldn’t have asked for better folks.
I hope you can say the same about you.

Dad Mom, Bob & me
That’s me with Mom, Sally & our daughter, De –
behind us is Dave Butters,
Sally’s husband who died way too young.
Mom’s selfie

Mom took selfies with a smile
Long before digital cameras and internet.
If she was alive today, she’d post ’em daily
And she’d have a huge following – you bet!

Today’s the day for us to remember
Our moms – and conjure up some joy
As we recall their better selves –
and set aside all thoughts that annoy!

I must remember no one’s perfect,
And I just hope when I’m dead and gone,
Our children will recall my better self,
And set aside times I was a moron!

I hope my kids will say,
“My mom was the Bee’s Knees”
and laugh at any bitterness
while remembering only the honey!

Happy Mother’s Day!
Embrace your Mothers today
(for real – or in your memories).
They did (or are doing) the best they could!!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

children, Family, Gratitude, holidays, life, Love, Memories, music, Poetry, relationships

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Embrace Enthusiasm

May 8, 2021

Enthusiasm:
Expressions of elation –
Show your excitement!!

Photo by Gilbert Anthony on Pexels.com

Like this flower child,
I’m over the top gleeful.
Timing perfection!

I’ve shared confusion
And dismay for the slowness
Of resolutions.

But if I let go –
And put it all in God’s hands,
His timing’s perfect!

I can’t tell you more
Than to say I see the light
At the tunnel’s end.

Yesterday I worked
All day to finalize the
Membership notice

Our Number One pick
Has accepted our first call –
Returning to preach.

The congregation
Will hear her message.
It’s all in God’s hands.

The Lord says, “Relax!
Know I have got you covered.
It’ll be alright.”


Embrace excitement!
Continue to be in prayer.
Let God surprise you.

You know I have been knee-deep
in the process of trying to find the pastor candidate
God has in mind for our Presbyterian Church
here in Ennis, MT.

It’s been nearly a year of searching.
By the end of this month,
I should be able to show you her face…
and tell you about her.
Meantime, she will return in a couple of weeks
and preach to our congregation
and they will be given the chance to vote.
If they approve,
then the Presbytery gets to vote.

The Lord says, “Paaay-shuns!!”

It will all happen in His perfect timing.
I believe that.
But, I can’t contain my excitement
at the prospects of what the future holds!

Pray with me that it all
happens as God intends-
In His perfect timing.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”


Esther 4:14

Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.



Wait expectantly!
Open your eyes to the
fulfillment of your deepest prayers!

Photo by Eternal Happiness on Pexels.com

Embrace Enthusiasm!
Are you excited about something in your future?
What is it?

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, Living in Harmony, Love, Poetry, prayer

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Embrace Imagination

May 5, 2021

#1 A

Play the video below
as you imagine
why these various pictures
are in this blog.



Imagine what
they might have to do
with my life today
and in the future.

Imagine if you
took a series of pictures
to capture your life today
and project your future….
what would they include?

#1 B
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7 A
#7 B
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15

Embrace Imagination!

#1 A & B = The dreamcatcher brought the Dream

#2 = But there are hoops and triangles to jump through

#3 = Before the Trinity – God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit can help the Dream come

#4 = So head on down Pintail Ridge, and

#5 = Turn toward the north

#6 = Get on Highway 90 and stay on it to Missoula

#7 A = Have fun on the 3 hour trip by texting my daughter in Switzerland

#7 B = Include Daughter #2 in our texting and picture exchange

#8 = Compare our arthritic fingers – and see her straight ones – realize what heredity can do!

#9 = Pass the time with Bible Study… begin with Moody’s look at Thessalonians 1 & 2

#10 = After dropping Bob off at the Missoula hospital for his MRI, go get breakfast

#11 = Choose the pesto bagel, but only eat half now

#12 = Save the other half for when Bob is finished and can join me for that yummy sandwich

#13 = Tell him he can find the Bagels on Broadway – right across from the Missoula Courthouse

#14 = Head back home where dreams do come true – full circle – back to Ennis and the beautiful Madison Range…

#15 = … and a bouquet of beautiful tulips that say Happy Mother’s Day weekend is coming – Go Capture your Dream!

Embrace Imagination!

This is where dreams all come true!

Behind the storms of life
Blue sky waits to emerge
Catch your dreams in your dreamcatcher
And let your imagination run wild!



What would your series of pictures
look like to capture your day,
your dreams,
your views of the world?

Imagination runs wild!!

Tell me!

See ya tomorrow
(God willing)

Thanks for visiting JanBeek

Category:

children, Faith, Family, food, happiness, Life's Challenges, Love, Montana, mountains, music, Poetry

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Embrace Hugs

May 4, 2021

Doesn’t it feel good to meet with your friends
Who have had both their COVID-19 vaccines
And feel comfortable hugging again?
Don’t lose sight of what hugging means:

When I hug you my squeezing says,
“I love you! I have missed our touch.”
When I hug you my body says,
I am so happy to be near you. I’ve missed you so much!

Song of Solomon 2:6

“Let his left hand be under my head
And his right hand embrace me.”

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Sometimes the hugs from our pets
Have to take the place of others we love –
But it’s that feeling of unconditional caring
That’s wrapped in a hug – whether human or dove.

Photo by Selegna Du00edaz on Pexels.com

Mark 10:16

And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Your hug is so important
Better than an alligator hug is:
… a kitty kiss!
Better than a piggy hug and kiss is:
… a real bear hug! (Or is it??)
There’s nothing quite like a threesome hug!

Genesis 33:4

Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him,
and fell on his neck and kissed him…

Yes, when we see a cuddly little soft and sweet baby
We just want to hug and squeeze and kiss them all over!
Photo by Madeline Bassinder on Pexels.com
Photo by William Fortunato on Pexels.com
Photo by Rheza Aulia on Pexels.com


Embrace One Another
Embrace Hugs

It’s so good to be able to hug again!

Love to you,
my sweet blogging friend.

See ya tomorrow

Category:

Animals, Bible Lessons, children, friendship, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, pets, Poetry, relationships

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Embrace God’s Will

May 2, 2021

Elfchen (or Elevenies) are 11 word poems
in the configuration of 5 line stanzas,
each with a count of 1+2+3+4+1.

God
Is here
He’s always near
I feel His presence
Listen

God
Speaks clearly
Read His Word
And follow His Commandments
Obey

God
Knows best
Open your heart
Feel Him inside you
Trust

God
Is patient
He always understands
He waits for us
Follow

LISTEN
OBEY
(Relax… God’s gotcha covered)
TRUST
FOLLOW
(Yes, “Where He leads me I will follow –
with JOY!)

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.

I’m headed for church this morning.
I hope you are, too.


See you later.

Category:

Faith, God, Jesus, life, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, prayer

5 Comments

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Embrace May Flowers

May 1, 2021

Happy May Day!

Time for a new wreath!

When I was a child at Bonita Elementary School in Crows Landing, California (yes, there is a town by that name), May Day was a very special occasion.

In the classroom on the morning of May 1st we made baskets of paper or ribbon. Then we went out into the fields around the school and picked wildflowers. We hung our baskets on doorknobs around town, rang the doorbell, and hid in the bushes as we watched the surprised resident answer the door and find the colorful, hanging gift. In it was an invitation to come to the school that afternoon for our May Pole Dance.

Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com
Sometimes we used our school colors for the ribbons
Other times we used an assortment of colors

It was not uncommon for us to dress in special costumes, but sometime, like the first picture of the Maypole, we would dress in white. Notice the flower wreaths in our hair. Ah yes, we went all out!

We’d weave in and out of each other to create the braided base on the Maypole. You can tell this last picture is recent. Back in the 40s and 50s no girls would be caught dead coming to school in Levis!! We would have probably been sent home!

Music would accompany our dance around the Maypole … The YouTube below shows that in some places, May Day still is celebrated in today’s world.

It’s a more complicated process than you might imagine!

I wonder if they still do
the baskets with flowers
in school rooms
and neighborhoods anywhere?

I love May flowers!

If you don’t have a wildflower field nearby,

maybe you can go to FTD and order your May Day flowers today!
There are lots of beautiful arrangements from which to choose!

Have a Happy May Day, my friends.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.

Embrace May Flowers!

Do you do anything special for May Day?

See ya tomorrow. (God willing)

Category:

children, flowers, happiness, holidays, Love, music

7 Comments

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Embrace Your Roots

April 30, 2021

When I hear the word “Roots,”
I think of the TV program
that captivated the nation
in 1977 when it first
was aired on ABC.

Roots is an American television miniseries based on Alex Haley‘s 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The series first aired on ABC in January 1977. Roots received 37 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won nine. It also won a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award. It received unprecedented Nielsen ratings for the finale, which still holds a record as the third-highest-rated episode for any type of television series, and the second-most watched overall series finale in U.S. television history.[1][2] It was produced on a budget of $6.6 million.

If you are a genealogical buff, “Roots” conjures up images of family history … and maybe links to Ancestry.com.

When I see or hear the word “Roots,” I also think of this scripture:

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
“For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.

Roots
Buried deep
Connect to vine
Result in the branches
Mine

John 15:5

“I am the vine, you are the branches:
He that abideth in Me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without Me you can do nothing.”

My roots are planted deep in faith.

Rooted and Grounded
In the name of the Lord
Rooted and Grounded
By the Holy Ghost

If you want to go to Heaven
You have to be
Rooted and Grounded
In the Name of the Lord!


Embrace Your Roots –
Examine where they are grounded.
How do they stabilize you?
What comes to mind when you hear the word
ROOTS?

Thanks for visiting JanBeek

See ya tomorrow (God willing)


Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, Family, God, Life and Death, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, Poetry

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Embrace Purpose

April 29, 2021

What is your purpose?
Has anyone asked you that question recently?
Have you asked it of yourself?

Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

Another way to ask the question is:
What is my life’s goal?

When I asked my husband Bob, yesterday
He responded,
“To give God credit for everything.”

We talked about the difference between
Internal and external purposes.

Internally we live a life filed with gratitude to God.

Externally, how do we show or express it?

Bob responded,
“Accept your lot without complaints”
and
“Be His hands and feet –
Extending His Kingdom on Earth.”

Photo by Simon Berger on Pexels.com

Like these mountains,
Life and purpose have so many layers.

What is God’s purpose for me?

This is the prayer I pray
each morning before I leave
my sanctuary to begin my day in the world:

“Dear Lord,

Guide my feet in Your Way today.
Help me meet who You want me to meet.
Tell me what You want me to say,
And keep me out of Your way!

Help me be who You made me to be.
And teach me to be still
So I can know what You want me to do.
Help me walk in You Will.”

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

Romans 8:28

“And we know that for those who love God
all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to His purpose.”

Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

In today’s These Days, Daily Devotions for Living by Faith,
the message resonated with me as I contemplate my purpose:

“I pray and ask God to give me the words I need.
The time to share is now so that everyone will know
the Love of God.

By speaking and writing about God’s love and glory,
we are passing this knowledge on to future generations.

Whether singing worship music,
reading devotionals aloud,
or writing about God,
I am given opportunities to
help the whole world
know and develop
a closer relationship with God.”

That’s my purpose!
Share the love, joy and peace
that are mine through Christ.

I want everyone to feel it!!

Father, please give me the words
to share so everyone will know you.

I LOVE this series of pencil drawings of Jesus with the children!

In my Mornings with Jesus devotional today,
the message fit this topic perfectly.
Cynthia Ruchti, wrote

“A recent project at our house has tested our mettle as a couple…”

She went on to explain how their old 1913 house is crooked.
Trying to “install straight, factory-squared windows into an opening
that is anything but perfectly square has been cause for…
discussion.”

“What a telling picture of the reasons Jesus was so adamant
that … the foundational layer of our souls
has to be built plumb and true,
more meticulously than anything that will come after.”

“Jesus said that JOY is foundational to our lives as Christ followers.
If joy is solid, anchored well, and secure because of our trust in His promises,
anything else we build on top of that will have much greater chance
of aligning with His purpose for us.

We won’t be ‘half a bubble off’ if His joy bubbles inside us.”


Photo by Alexander Dummer on Pexels.com

I aim to be inspired by
His Word,
His Life,
His Love,
His Gift of Grace,
and His Purpose
for my life.

(That’s the internal purpose)

Externally,
my purpose is to share that
love, joy, peace, faith and unity
that are mine…
with the hope that you
are inspired to share it, too!

Keep looking up!

Is anything in your house noticeably crooked?
When you pass that spot, don’t straighten it!
Look up!

Use it as a reminder of the importance
of building your life of faith on Jesus
and the meaning of the cross.
Jesus is plumb and true, and
by His death on the cross,
you are, too!!

What is your purpose?
What inspires you to live according to your purpose?

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Gratitude, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, optimism, peace, prayer, Serving One Another

19 Comments

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Embrace Small Delights

April 27, 2021

What are the small delights that enchant you?
Keep you coming back for more?
What are the small delights that entice you
To return again to your favorite store?

I love wreaths and flowers;
I take delight in their display.
I delight in springtime when its warm
And I can walk in the sunshine and play.

I love Michaels, the craft store, that has
All the items for projects galore.
That’s the place that’s my go-to
For creative activities – and more.

Prayers, pictures, and greetings
From Elaina, my daughter #2
Bring morning smiles and giggles
“Let me share my soup with you!

Let me show you my sweet kitty,”
She declares as she pictures her cat.
We share the things that delight us
In our daily morning chat.

My friend, Lisa, in South Carolina
Finds beauty in sunrises and purrs.
I love the way she shares with me
The views and delights that are hers.

Lisa’s cat
Lisa’s sunrise in South Carolina

The small delight that grows
To enormous size and glee
Is the joy I find in friendship.
Friends are so dear to me.

Laina & DeDe

Laina and our daughter, DeAna
Have been friends since high school days
They find great delight in togetherness…
A relationship where love always stays.

Caroline’s photo of ducks in lake

Some small delights in nature
That we often take for granted
Are ducks on the lake with snowy borders
And evergreen trees God has planted.

“I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Isaiah 61:10

I delight in having great neighbors
Who bake beautiful cookies and share
The tasty treats from their kitchen.
I delight in those friends over there!

(Thanks, Robin & Whooter & Sue Welna!)

A delight I’ve been waiting for
Is the opening of this daffodil bloom.
Thank God for the coming of springtime
And the flowers I see from this room.

My husband will tell you that nothing
Delights him like a bowl of ice cream.
His favorite is mocha almond fudge –
That’s his idea of a dessert dream!

Photo by Lisa Oliver

I take great delight in rainbows.
They keep God’s promise visible & true,
This one over the McAlllister Church
Is a small delight just for you!


Here’s my delightful sunset
reflected over the Madison Range.

Have a delightful Wednesday.
See ya tomorrow (God willing).

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
I delight in your comments.

Category:

blessings, Faith, friendship, happiness, life, Love, Montana, Poetry

10 Comments

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Embrace the Present

April 26, 2021

Is your memory slipping? Mine is. The bad news is, my sweetheart’s memory is slipping down the same slope as mine. That’s not good news. For 59 years, we’ve covered for one another. Now we need someone else with a blanket and a diary… the blanket to cover our faux pas – and a diary to go back and retrieve the lost information!

I told you about the blue suitcase and our dual denial, right? http://www.janbeek.blog/embrace-laughter

Do you recall … neither of us remembering the actual color, size, and details of our luggage? Did you laugh with us? Well now, it is a situation where BOTH of us forgot about receiving something a year ago… denying it, causing someone else a lot of frustration, and needing a huge dose of forgiveness for the trouble we caused.

Ah, the mind is a sad thing to lose!!

Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

Now is what we have
Tomorrow isn’t here yet
Sift through sands of time

Yesterday is past
Remembering helps us learn
Embrace the Present

Diaries are fun… a great way to keep track of the present
and go back to retrieve what we want to remember!

Check out the expansion of that idea of living in the moment at this previous blog: https://janbeek.blog/2020/11/16/one-day-at-a-time

Haibun (俳文, literally, haikai writings) is a prosimetric literary form originating in Japan, combining prose and haiku. The range of haibun is broad and frequently includes autobiography, diary, essay, prose poem,[1] short story and travel journal.

In the Haibun above, I addressed the short story and the diary idea in my prose – and then added a two-part Haiku to the story. Thanks for the inspiration from Dwight Roth who often contributes Haibun to d’versepoetry.com … and does it so well. Check out today’s post from Roth Poetry:

Being Alive

/ rothpoetry

I’m glad you shared today with me.

Looking shaggy –
I need a haircut!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow (God willing).

Embrace the Present

https://janbeek.blog/2020/11/16/one-day-at-a-time/

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Haiku, health, humor, Life's Challenges, Love, Memories, mental health, Poetry, Sharing, writing

8 Comments

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Embrace Growth

April 25, 2021

Growth comes in many different forms
Physical, psychological, spiritual –
Three of the ways we grow.
Am I growing?
Are you?
Huh?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Sometimes, like the caterpillar,
We have to STOP to grow.
We have to hide out.
We learn to quit.
Don’t push.
Rest.

Photo by Manuela Adler on Pexels.com

So, I determined several days to rest.
I rested last week and yesterday.
I didn’t come here to blog.
Hear the Holy Spirit.
Settle my mind.
Listen.

My days of rest from blogging
Were focused on listening –
Receiving His guidance,
Feeling God leading,
Really tuning in,
Growing.

Photo by Ryanniel Masucol on Pexels.com


Now I’m sitting with a box on my head.
I’m waiting expectantly –
Hoping that someone
Will lift the box –
Lead me
Home.


And when I am again safely home,
Lift the box and help me
Emerge from chrysalis
To spread my wings
And grow into
Butterfly!


Embrace Growth!

Happy Sunday to you!


May this be a week of emergence and growth.

Hugs to you!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Cheers!

Category:

Aging Gracefully, blogging, contentment, Faith, God, health, learning, life, Life's Challenges, Love, mental health, Poetry

7 Comments

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Embrace God’s Perfect Timing

April 23, 2021

Do you ever try to push things through and discover roadblocks?

That’s been my experience this week on more than one front.

Photo by Vlad Cheu021ban on Pexels.com

Trying to push my agenda is harder than rolling hay –
Especially when my agenda is not in sync with the Lord’s.

Photo by Ali Pazani on Pexels.com

Trying to push through an agenda is like filming –
Pointing the camera at the place you want to be
And discovering that you have no film to get there.
GO BACK AND RELOAD!! Take time to pray.

Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

Life often puts us at crossroads where we choose –
Do we go right or left? Or do we turn around?
What did your script say? And who wrote it?
Are you finding your own way or letting God lead?

Are you on your own time schedule or are you listening?
Do you relinquish control and hear the Holy Spirit saying,
“God’s Perfect Timing is perfect. Let go! Let it flow.”
Stop pushing. Stop filming. Stop writing. Stop blogging.

Just stop!

Photo by Song kaiyue on Pexels.com

Then, when you start up again, be deliberate! Be intentional.
Be collaborative. Be teachable. Be flexible. Be patient.
God’s Perfect Timing is Perfect!

TRUST!

Use it wisely!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.

I’ve been living my passion this week…
Loving, learning, listening, sharing God’s grace.

Finding the pastor God has in mind for our church –
and trying to arrange the perfect timing for a visit.

I took a break from WordPress to focus.

It was good to take a break.


Please add our Pastor Nominating Committee to your prayer list…
and help us EMBRACE GOD’S PERFECT TIMING!

See ya tomorrow (God willing).
Bee well!!

Category:

Faith, God, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, prayer, relationships

10 Comments

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Embrace Your Passion

April 20, 2021

Embrace your passion –
Figure out just what it is,
Then LIVE your passion.

Yesterday I lived –
I lived passionately –
But I did not blog.

Even though blogging
Is an important passion,
I did not write it.

Sometimes you need to
Set aside pen and paper –
Set aside writing –

And LIVE your passion!
I listened to the Spirit
And followed its voice.

Photo by Prashant Gautam on Pexels.com

My most important passion is what this blog’s sub-title spells out: spreading love, joy, peace, faith and unity.

In the process of living out my faith, I spend time every morning in my “SanctuAiree” among the angels, Bibles, devotionals, birds level with me in the trees, and the Holy Spirit alive and well. surrounding and in me. I listen for that still small voice – and try to obey its directives.

As the contact person and secretary for our Pastor Nominating Committee, I have worked consistently for over a year – collaboratively with my wonderful, dedicated team – to find the pastor we think God has in mind for us. We see a light at the end of the tunnel … and are praying for wisdom and discernment. Yesterday I worked on that project. I am passionate about helping to find the “right” person to lead our congregation into the future. It is a huge responsibility – and we take it very seriously.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Do you have a project about which you are passionate? Are you living that passion? Do you see a light at the end of your tunnel? I’d love to hear about it.

Have you defined your purpose in blogging? Are you feeling like your purpose is being fulfilled? Are you passionate about it? Cristian Mihai in “The Art of Blogging” tells us often that unless we are writing about things we are passionate about, our messages will fall flat.

Sometimes I feel that my messages are not resonating with my readers. When I get that feeling, I have to back up and ask myself, “Who are you writing for?” If one or two of you respond, if I have reached into the heart of just one other blogging friend out there, that has to be enough. It’s not a numbers game! YOU are the only reader who matters. I am sharing my passion with YOU.

My passion is to LIVE in such a way that at the end of the day, I can say to myself, “I did what the Holy Spirit called me to do today, and I did it with gusto. I did my best – and now I can rest.”

My daddy and my Holy Father in Heaven said,
“Well done, Jan!”
Their voices matter!

Embrace Your Passion!

See ya tomorrow
(God willing)…
JanBeek

Category:

blogging, Faith, God, Haiku, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, peace, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another, writing

14 Comments

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Happy Sunday!

April 18, 2021

Mine was a busy Sunday.
How was yours?
Where did you look today?

Looking for beauty
Can sometimes be elusive
When your eyes are closed

So open your eyes
To find the beauty around.
It is everywhere!

Where do your eyes look?

Do you look at it?
The “it” that’s blocking your view?
Where do your eyes go?

Look up to enjoy
The beauty, not the blockade!
Listen for the sounds.

The amorous dove
Is cooing to his partner:
“Come with me and res