Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Advice

September 25, 2023
Daily writing prompt
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
View all responses

The value of tidbits of advice differs as we hear them at different times in our lives.

As a young child, my mom’s advice always included words of encouragement:
“Let your light shine.”
“You can be anything you decide you want to be.”
“You are more than good enough.”
“Take it one day at a time.”

Mom certainly let her light shine!!

Later in life, I have discovered that I can receive valuable advice daily by reading my Bible, reading devotionals written by Christ-like, modern-day disciples, and listening to compassionate friends. They say things like:

We should never tire of seeking advice and heeding the words of wise counsel.
http://www.Motivational Words of Wisdom.com always has sound advice.

It’s hard (in fact impossible for me) to narrow pieces of advice down to the one best.
How about you?

God’s latest advice to me was, “Slow down and watch where you’re going!”
Do you hear God’s advice being shouted in your ear at times, too?

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Faith, God, learning, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love

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Ready to Go Trail Riding?

September 23, 2023

Are you ready to go trail riding?
I have a deal for you!
We are selling “Lucille”
And her sturdy trailer, too.

Beautiful “Lucille”

“Lucille??” you question.
That’s what you named her?
Yup, like Lucille Ball…
A redhead -and no one tamed her!

On her, we’ve had a ball!
We’ve enjoyed her a lot.
But, for health reasons now,
We need something else in her spot.

So, if you or a friend
Is interested and can come,
We’d love for you to take them
Though it makes us mighty glum.

Check out our listing at
bozeman.craigslist.org/tro/d/ennis-bigtex-trailer/7669210550.html
Spread the word for us, OK?
Come to Ennis, Montana and meet us –
You’ll never regret the day!

TazE (our Boston Terrier) with Bob & me

Meet “Charlie!”

Our TazE already said her good-byes
And now Lucille will make way for “Charlie.”
He’s our new blue addition –
And no, he’s not a Harley!

We may be crazy sportsmen,
Loving to get outside and play,
But our “Lucille” trail riding days are over.
Are you interested in taking her out someday?

Oh, and Happy Autumn to you, my friend!
It’s a gorgeous day with blue sky & puffy clouds.
I love seeing all the changing colors.
Go up in the mountains to view them… avoid the crowds!

Hugs to you,
Thanks for visiting
JanBeek

Category:

Love, Montana, mountains, nature, pets, Poetry, Travel, trees

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Love Returned

September 20, 2023

In his prompt today, David at

ben Alexander

ben Alexander, The Skeptic’s Kaddish 

invited us to try our hand
at a poetry form
that is new to me:

Sijo

A Korean verse form related to haiku and tanka and comprised of three lines of 14-16 syllables each, for a total of 44-46 syllables. Each line contains a pause near the middle, similar to a caesura, though the break need not be metrical. The first half of the line contains six to nine syllables; the second half should contain no fewer than five. Originally intended as songs, sijo can treat romantic, metaphysical, or spiritual themes. Whatever the subject, the first line introduces an idea or story, the second supplies a “turn,” and the third provides closure. Modern sijo are sometimes printed in six lines.

David did a fantastic job with the form. Click on his name & blog title above to read his contribution.
I told him I was not sure I was even going to try… it sounds too complicated! But… with the following meme as a prompt, here goes:

Your mind will always believe, if you are ever truthful;
But when you are deceitful, you feed it sorrow, deep grief.
Feed your mind sincere love and truth, and it will be returned to you.

Bob & I send our love and deep peace
to you and your loved ones today.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
Will you try your hand at Sijo?

Category:

blessings, contentment, Faith, happiness, Love, Poetry, Promises, Sharing, truth, writing

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Lessons Learned

September 18, 2023
Daily writing prompt
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
View all responses

I am not indispensable.
I used to think I was…
If I wasn’t there,
the school would have

shut down!!

low section of man against sky
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Hah! Not true…
The custodian and the secretary
Are indispensable …
Not the principal!

So unlock the misconception!
Set yourself free!
You, too, my friend
Are not indispensable!

What lesson do you wish you had learned earlier?

Lighten up!
Live, love, laugh…
Peace to you!

Hug lots,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Belief, contentment, happiness, learning, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, peace, self-acceptance

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We All Lead

September 15, 2023

Today I decided to FOLLOW the PROMPT:
Do you see yourself as a leader?

Whether we know it or not, we all lead –
at least sometimes.
And whether we know it or not, we all follow
at least sometimes.

What is a leader?
That’s the question.

If you read David Jeremiah’s “Turning Points”
you will learn the trademark secrets
of great leadership and
of being a faithful follower.

These following pictures
from September’s Turning Points
introduce the various topics
of leadership by logo or trademark.

The not-so-secret to leadership
is LOVE worn in behavior.
Don’t we all want to follow
the person who exudes love?

We all wear our logo
on our sleeve or our faces,
in our hearts,
and in our actions .

Your identity as a follower is important.
It’s Who you follow that counts!
Follow the wrong leader
And you end up in the dumps!

Get the copy RIGHT!

Leaders often don’t realize they are.

Some leaders quietly go about
being great by caring for others.
Their example leads others
to want to follow in their footsteps.

I wish Jesus lived next door to me.
He’s the leader I choose to follow.
Where He leads me,
I want to obediently go!

My faithful Leader helps me
By putting upright friends
In my life – in my neighborhood –
Friends whose love I want to emulate.

Who do you follow?
Who leaves footprints on your heart?
When do you lead?
We all do both, right?

Hebrews 13:7 

“Remember your leaders,
those who spoke to you the word of God.
Consider the outcome of their way of life,
and imitate their faith.”

Leader or follower?
Which are you?
Did you answer the prompt?
What did you say?

Thanks for visiting today.
Let me hear from you!
And have a Fabulous Friday!

Look up for your purpose!

Love,
JanBeek

Oh, and by the way,
I love “following” my WP friends.
You all inspire me to blog with love.
And I thank you who “follow” me.
I love you!

Category:

Belief, Faith, friendship, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, relationships, writing

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Sunflower Power

September 9, 2023

As the sunflower
faces toward the sun
so my face must turn to Thee
You are my Source of FUN!

You alone are my source of power
and I long to “bee” with Thee
You accept me with “shower head”
And love whatever You see

You created each thing on earth
I love the sweetness of your Being
Turn my eyes to Your Face, O Lord
Set my feet on The Path You’re seeing

You alone are my source of power
So I pray to You today
Let me “bee” as the sunflower
and look to You EVERY day!

Amen

Have a wonderful weekend!
What will you do this beautiful day?

We’re having friends for dinner
before they move away next week.
Bitter sweet times…
Look to the Son for comfort ;o)

Friends always show their love.
What are brothers for if not to share troubles?
~ Proverbs 17:17

What do I call “Troubles” today??
It’s when a dear friend moves away.
Oh, how my heart aches already…
But, true friends stay in touch, come what may!!
How do you stay in touch
with those Sunflower people
in your life
when they move away?

Love to you,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Family, flowers, friendship, God, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, Poetry, relationships

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September in Montana

September 8, 2023

Yesterday I peeked out
from the downstairs back door
surprised to see the signs
of our changing seasons

Signs of autumn
Sparkled from the plant
That’s hanging over the
Newly installed dry well

Orange leaves among the green
Remind me that summer
Is drawing to a close
It’s been too short

Inside, the sunflowers
from friends, the Conklins,
and Sue Newell’s ladybug card
brighten the table

The warmth of sunshine
And the grasses in the field
Beckoned me outside
To see beyond the yard

These “weeds” have their own kind of beauty
Browns and greens mixed with gold
Certainly spell the coming of fall
Alas, stores already sell Halloween

Our view of the Madison Range
beyond the field is spectacular
The clouds are ever changing
Giving our Big Sky character

We can sit inside here
and look out in amazement every day
At God’s marvelous creation
Never tiring of our Montana wonderland

Thank You, God of All Creation
For the beauty of this earth
Help us to be good caretakers
And never take these gifts for granted.

Amen

Thank you for visiting today
Have a Fabulous Friday!
Don’t forget to go out
and marvel at your September beauty, too!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

flowers, God, Gratitude, Love, Montana, mountains, music, nature, Poetry, prayer

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Gratitude for Workers

September 4, 2023

Today is Labor Day in the USA.
It’s a day to thank our workers.
Thank all who make life better
By their diligence … never shirkers!

Regardless of the job they have,
They perform with willing heart.
I’m filled with gratitude for them.
They carefully do their part.

During COVID we took special care
To thank our healthcare workers all.
We should continue to thank them
And all the others whether large or small.

No job is less important than another.
All are crucial for the bottom line.
Teamwork, passion, determination
Are ingredients that make the results shine.

Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

Proverbs 10:4

“Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

The after effects of COVID-19
Have left some workers unwilling
To return to the office or work space;
They find teleworking more fulfilling.

woman in gray shirt sitting on bed
Photo by Andrew Neel on Pexels.com

But the worker who inspires me most
Is the on the job person who strives
To make the world a better place
By interacting with others’ lives.

Yes, it can be done at home sometimes,
But what about when you want to dine out?
The chef and wait staff better be there,
Or you’ll be high and dry… without!

So, today I want to shout out a thanks
To all the workers who make life sweeter.
Here is one… our Dolly Wolly in Switzerland.
You should go to her place and meet her!!

This is what it looked like then they bought it.
Now the restaurant has taken on a new look.
And De’s husband, Andre’ is the chef who
Puts out superb dishes – he’s quite the cook!

Here are De and Andre’ with some family
Sitting down to enjoy a meal…
You can tell by the empty plates and smiles
How good it was; how it made them feel!

So, Happy Labor Day, all you workers
Who strive to serve the public with care-
Whether out in front and quite visible
Or hidden in back rooms, with work to share!

We appreciate the way you aim to please
With passion and with determination.
What you do is important and beneficial
Regardless of your chosen occupation.

Thank you!

Hugs from
JanBeek
(volunteering at the Food Bank)

Volunteer work counts, too!
Stay-at-home Mom work counts double!!

Category:

Family, food, Giving, holidays, Love, Poetry, relationships, respect, Serving One Another, Sharing, work

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Blogging Friends

September 3, 2023

Why do you blog?

Today’s prompt made me pause and reflect on the why.
Why am I here? Why have I posted “stuff” here for so many years?
It’s not for rewards or recognition.

The title up there tells the story.
It’s my place to stay connected
with Derrick & Dwight,
Ann & Sue,
Richard & Donna,
Caralyn & you!!
It’s blogging friends old and new
who take the time to comment,
who post their own inspirational messages …
that’s why I’m here.
I care about you.

Thank you for also blogging and for staying in touch!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

blogging, friendship, Love, relationships, Serving One Another, writing

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Positivity

September 1, 2023

“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23

Just as water flows in constant motion,
We are asked to constantly move
In the direction of grace and mercy –
His love and graciousness to prove.

The springs of life flow in you
And are meant to overflow
So God’s joy and peace are what
Your very presence will show.
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Choosing positivity brightens life;
It keeps us happy and upbeat.
Even though we encounter difficulties,
We can choose victory, not defeat.

It’s up to us to decide the kind
Of person we want others to see.
If we keep our hearts open to love,
We’ll be the best that we can be.

We can choose positivity again and again
As we focus on the good things in life.
Meet life eagerly as we tackle each task
And ask God to take away any worry or strife.

2 Timothy 2:23-25 

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies;
you know that they breed quarrels.
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome
but kind to everyone,
able to teach,
patiently enduring evil,
correcting his opponents with gentleness.
God may perhaps grant them repentance
leading to a knowledge of the truth…”

Ah, TRUTH! It can be so evasive…
But a positive attitude and an open heart and mind
Can make Truth more discernible.
Seek it out with questions wise and kind.

Positive people are filled with curiosity;
They never stop asking when and why.
You can’t stop an intelligent child
From asking, “Why?” even if you try.

So foster that curiosity!
Appreciate it in your own design.
You are a Child of God, you know,
So embrace your uniqueness and SHINE!

Thank you for visiting JanBeek today.
Your positive remark in the comments below
Will add to my joy today.
Let your positivity show!!

Category:

Bible Lessons, contentment, Faith, God, happiness, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, self-acceptance, self-esteem, Serving One Another, Sharing, truth

18 Comments

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