Elfchen or “Elevenies” are poems with eleven words in a pattern of 1+2+3+4+1
Embrace Spontaneous Leisure as you relax and enjoy life today: Sunday
Sunday mornings always are hurried “UP ‘N AT T’EM” days. Rush!
Shower. Get up. And get dressed. Then gobble your breakfast. Church!
(Click the arrow below)
Listen “Rush Hour” for a minute … Then click it off. Frenzy!
Happy? Not likely. That “Happy Hardcore” Destroys any residual sanity. Yuck!
(Go back and click outta that sound!)
Repetitive, nerve wracking… Who needs it? Put your feet up. Relax!
Wallow in silliness for a while; Find yourself some laughter. Chuckle!
Find some friends to join you. Good for your soul. Laze!
A few friends took me up on my suggestion yesterday. My silly blog was titled, “Embrace a Camel” and I really wentoff the deep end. One little friend got into a box and joined the insanity club!
How about you? Do you take a day to just be silly and relax every now and then?
It’s called “Spontaneous Leisure” and I recommend it!
Today we slept in. We dressed in a casual, leisurely fashion. We ate brunch at 10: am (our church didn’t ZOOM the service today or we would’ve tuned in to it) and then we went up to our sanctuary and had our own worship service up there.
It was just the break from routine that we needed!
Embrace Spontaneous Leisure. Just treat yourself Take an unintentional break – Relax
Jesus Accepts worship Wherever it occurs. God condones taking breaks. Recline!
Question: “What does the Bible say about rest and relaxation?”. Answer: “Rest” is defined as “peace, ease or refreshment.” “Relax” means “to become loose or less firm, to have a milder manner, to be less stiff.” The Bible speaks quite highly of rest.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Doctor ordered relaxation: Just sit back – Put your feet up – Chill!
Trying to arrange for a trip abroad in this COVID world today will guarantee stress.
Today I used links sent to me by a friend who just returned from a trip to Canada and from our daughter who is planning to join us next week in London, and I tried to make the arrangements for the COVID tests required. Oh me, oh my! Can they make it more difficult?
Seems to me they are just trying to send us senior citizens over the sanity edge ridge into complete derangement!
Not only do we have to have proof of our vaccines, but we have to prove we tested negative within 72 hours of our departure from the USA to London. Then when we arrive in the UK, we have to have a test there within 2 days – and it has to be ordered in advance. We have to prove (before we leave the US) that we have ordered the 2 day test to be delivered to our place of destination in London. Oh bludder!! And none of these tests are free, of course!
So, I took a break from all that computer stuff and spent some time with a few friends… a great antidote to hysteria and complete lunacy!
Back at home, I let my mind wander as I checked out some of my favorite bloggers. That was definitely a stress reliever! I especially enjoyed reading:
Are you looking for ways to embrace stressing less? Here’s a helpful list I found:
I’m smiling now … just asked for and got that hug. It’s soooo good to have Bob back home again! He returned Wednesday night from his fishing trip in Alaska, and I was quite worried about him.
We spent a lot of yesterday at our medical center here in Ennis, trying to see how we can reduce his fluid retention, get his kidneys and heart functioning normally, and help him prepare for the trip to be with our daughter next week. See why I am posting EMBRACE STRESSING LESS ?
What do you do to reduce stress? Try playing this video in the background while you go about your next task.
“Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find much rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”
I totally agree with Marva. Watching less news is a GREAT way to reduce stress. But, don’t be an ostrich. Total lack of information can be a miserable stress inducer!
Embrace each sunset Trust the sun will rise again Pray for clearer skies
Taken on the way home from Bozeman last night with smoke-filled skies
Psalm 65:8 “They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.”
Embrace each sunset Know the sunrise is coming Count on God’s promise
One season follows After another each year Changing day by day
Enjoy the beautiful voice of Aled Jones in this lovely song that reinforces the Sunrise follows every sunset focus… Close your eyes and imagine your most beautiful sunset.
Tomorrow’s sunrise Brings with it great promises Embrace each sunset
See ya tomorrow (God Willing) Make the most of it! What will you do?
Tonight I am praying for my friend, {{{Derrick}}} Do you follow his blog? Check it out. The photography is as captivating as the text. I can hardly wait for the sunrise when we get to see him & Jackie in person! Stay tuned… I’ll share it with you.
His mum peacefully retired over her last sunset on earth. My heart goes to to Derrick & Jackie and their family. Rest in peace, Mum. God bless you. Leave the light on!
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances…”
With the right attitudes, we can be young at heart no matter what our chronological age may be.
No, we are still young… Young at heart! Can’t you see it?
Psalm 92:12-15
“12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Psalm 70:4
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You. Let those who love Your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
Each day has its own personality. There will be happy and sad days. Some will be quiet and restful, while others will be filled with activity.
Some will be brimming with health, others will find you facing unexpected challenges.
But, whatever the circumstance, you can find moments of delight – and you can thrive as you see the blessings hidden – even in the worst of times.
This week I learned that my friend, Paul, who was scheduled to replace our wood floor (while we are gone next month on a trip to Europe) fell off a ladder and broke some ribs. In addition to the body aches, he was suffering massive headaches. So, the doctor took x-rays.
The x-rays revealed that Paul had a brain tumor! If he had not fallen off that ladder, there might not have been the x-rays to reveal the tumor. He had brain surgery yesterday morning. The report came that “all is well.”
I don’t know if that means the tumor was benign, or if it means they got it all and he will be fine. Maybe it means all three! But, I know Who has the answers… and I know He hears my prayers.
I know everything happens for a reason… and I know God is in charge. I am so grateful the tumor was discovered! So, I can EMBRACE GOOD CHEER!
I am grateful for the faith I have that allows me to behold life through the eyes of hope and positivity.
Colors are brighter, laughter comes easier, and the joy of simply being alive sets the tone for daily celebration of life’s infinite possibilities.
On this day of remembrance (9-11), may you – with love and reverence – embrace the good cheer of memories that cherish the family members, friends, co-workers, and tireless volunteers who have made a mark upon your life.
May those memories inspire you to live with such integrity, creativity, faith, and love, that one day the memory of you will bring good cheer to all who know you.
Be in prayer for those who are hurting. Be in prayer for all who are in danger. Be in prayer for all who live in fear.
Be in prayer for those who need happiness to knock on their door today.
You’re in my prayers. God bless you with good cheer!
If you’ve followed my blog or seen my posts on FaceBook, you know my husband, Bob, has been facing some medical challenges. I asked for prayers for his return to usual stamina.
Thank you for those prayers, (if you offered them up to God for us). He is feeling soooo much better – and the doctor has okayed his trip tomorrow!!
So, Happy Labor Day weekend, my friends! I hope you are enjoying a relaxing, fun-filled day.
Bob is getting ready to go on a fishing trip with two of his buddies. They leave at 5: am tomorrow for Anchorage and then will spend a week at Kulik Lodge, way up north on the peninsula of Alaska, in the area called Bristol Bay. Have you every been to Alaska? Have you been fishing there?
His buddies told him he doesn’t need to bring all his flies on the trip. The lodge and guides where he is going will provide for him all the flies he needs.
Doesn’t that look inviting??
If all goes well, he will not only be able to catch some whoppers, but he will have at least one smoked and shipped home with him!
While Bob is getting ready for his trip, I am getting ready for his absence. In our 60 years of wedded bliss, I cannot remember ever being away from him this long!
Here we are in the mid-60’s with our son, Ty.
Here we are together with my parents in the late 1960’s – or early ’70s.
Here we are with 22 family/friends at Bob’s 80th. That’s our daughter DeAna with her arm around her daddy and our son, Ty, next to her with his hand on my shoulder.
You can see from this photo of us on our 59th anniversary that the years have been good to us.
So, as I get ready to be away from Bob for more than a week, send me some ideas for how to avoid loneliness! Tell me how to get ready to fix a meal for one… and to eat alone for 9 days!
A friend is coming over to keep me company for awhile tomorrow. (Thank you, Julie!)
What are you doing Tuesday?
TazE says, “Just relax, Mom. I gotcha covered!”
Thank God for our pets, huh? I know TazE will be great company.
Have a good Sunday evening. I send my love and hugs your way.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (God willing)
“You know it, deep down- you’re not made for ordinary. Your life is meant to be an adventure, fueled by grace and inspired by big dreams to make the world a better place. But, stuff gets in the way. Whether it’s people who tell you to be practical, a version of a faith that keeps you small, or a few bruises that take you out along the way– we all have a longing to break out of the status quo and get after the life we’re meant to live.” – Bob Goff
That quote came from one of my favorite people in the world, Bob Goff, author of “Love Does.” He has a new website:
I may look like those bruises took me out along the way with that eyelid swollen and the bruise running down my cheek, but I am far from “taken out!” Instead I am thinking this is an “extraordinary” bruise from an “extraordinary bang” and I am blessed not to have suffered a concussion! My knock on the head is not stopping me from planning some extraordinary days ahead!
Likewise, the fires in CA and the flooding on the east coast and the hurricanes in Haiti and the war-torn people in Afghanistan may have stopped some people from feeling like they are living the “life we’re meant to live,” but such catastrophes cause us to also to thank God for our survival. They cause us to evaluate what’s ordinary and what’s extraordinary – what’s essential and what’s fluff.
Don’t look down and say, “Poor me!” Instead, look up, and thank God for the blessings that are still yours! That’s what I am trying to do today as I put a hot compress on that goose egg that still sits on my forehead – and plan for an extraordinary trip to England to meet our blogging friends, Derrick & Jackie in person, and to travel on to Switzerland to see our daughter and her family there. We haven’t been able to do that since COVID raised its ugly head. Waaay too long between visits with our DollyWolly!
As Bob Goff said, “Life is too short to just go through the motions.” Embrace the extraordinary! Be extraordinarily positive! Look at the bruises and the challenges – and remember, “whether its the people who tell you to be practical, a version of a faith that keeps you small, or a few bruises that … along the way,” they don’t have to pull you down. They don’t have to keep your dreams small. As Bob Goff says on his website and in his books, “Dream Big!”
Smile the bruises away. Ignore those who put you in a box. Embrace the faith that makes you extraordinary!
What are you planning for your future that will keep you living those “Dream Big” ideas? Whatever it is, keep leaning on the One who answers your prayers!
The Fire Update in CA
Our son and his wife in CA still are safe from the Caldron Fire. They still are housing a family of 8 children and their mom who were evacuated from their home. They are living an extraordinary life right now, buoyed by all our prayers.
Our granddaughter in S. Lake Tahoe and her husband, Faith and Kyle, who were evacuated from their home, still are safely relocated for now in southern CA with their other grandparents. Today they received the gift of passes to visit Disneyland. It’s Kyle’s first visit there to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” The fire took a right turn just a mile from their house. Only God can control the wind! Answered prayers have saved their neighborhood. What an extraordinary God we have!
Continue to pray for extraordinary bravery and safety for our fire fighters.
Faith & Kyle
Please continue to pray for Faith and Kyle and their neighborhood… and for Ty & Monika and their big hearts which are open to such Christ-like help for their friends.
Monika and Ty – an extraordinary couple
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow(God willing)
Stay tuned! And continue to be the extraordinary person God created you to be!
YOU are your children’s first teacher! You are your child’s life-long teacher, Your behavior sets your most lasting legacy. Parents, be your children’s BEST teacher!!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
With all the strife in the world today, the least we can do is to live in peace with ourselves, our neighbors, our families. And if we see someone in need, reach out a helping hand. Heaven knows, regardless of how bad things seem to be for us, it never is hard to find someone who is worse off than we are.
He complained about Having no shoes for his feet Others had no feet
Be contented with the little things. They really aren’t so little after all!
Philippians 4:11-13
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
These photos were sent to me by Daughter #2 in Maryland. That tornado and car pile-up were about 8 miles from her home. She is thanking God for the fact that the strong winds she had at her house didn’t knock down trees or create a power outage.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Pray with Me
God Almighty, I honor and praise You for the works of Your hands, for the beauty of the earth, for the love You have for Your people and for the animals. I ask you now to protect those who are ravaged by tornadoes and floods, fires, and hurricanes, wars and injustices. Help us to know and trust that You are with us and You hear and answer the fervent prayers of Your people.
Save us, Lord. Bring peace. Bring safety. Bring rain to those who need it and sunshine to those who need freedom from flooding.
Help us find contentment in Your care and promises.
Amen
Jan’s black eye fading
Find contentment in little blessings (some of them are not so little):
my black & blue eyes are healing
the bump on my forehead is decreasing
our smoky valley has cleared a little (we can see the mountains again)
the firefighters are diligently working to contain the wildfires
my grandson, Chris, made it safely to Colombia (that’s him & his girlfriend, Natalia’s picture behind me there)
so far our granddaughter’s house in South Lake Tahoe has not caught fire – and they are safely evacuated to stay with their other grandparents in southern CA
our son & his wife’s house is safe from the fires (and they are graciously housing a family who were evacuated from theirs)
my husband’s doctor has okayed his fishing trip to Alaska (he leaves next Monday) – in spite of some health scares this week – he is better :o)
you came to visit my blog and share the message of contentment in your life (in spite of challenges) – I look forward to your comments ❤
This is the image of the Caldron fire in Amador County, California… only 14% contained … with strong winds moving it northeast toward Tahoe. According to our daughter-in-law today, the fire has grown to 177,260 acres and has destroyed 653 homes.
The line on the right shows you the 5.77 miles from the fire to our granddaughter’s house yesterday. Today it has moved closer and ALL residents (22,000) of South Lake Tahoe have been evacuated. They have only one exit highway open – and it leads to Nevada.
The line on the left shows the 5.49 miles from the storm yesterday to our son’s house. The purple dot in the fire’s “mouth” shows the place where the home is of our son’s friends – the ones who were evacuated and are now living in Placeville with Ty and Monika.
It is hard in the midst of such danger, loss of property, loss of homes, loss of lives and livelihoods, to keep a positive attitude. But, we cannot allow ourselves to despair!
Trust is a huge key to sanity!
Gratitude is a huge key to sanity!
For our granddaughter, Faith, and her husband, Kyle, the running water they are appreciating today may not be from their own faucet, but it is in the home of life-long friends of her other grandparents…
… and they were able to evacuate their home with some clothes… not just the pajamas they were wearing like some who were rushed out of their homes in the dark of the night…
… and they have food, love, shelter, and their dog! Of course, there is so much for which to be grateful!
I prayed for Faith & Kyle’s safety. I prayed for our son & his wife’s safety.. They are safe. Thank You, God!
But, as I thank God for the safety of my loved ones, I am remembering to be especially thankful for the firefighters who continue day and night to try and save people’s lives, homes, our forests, and our cities/towns/businesses. God bless our firefighters!
Keep smiling (if you can) through the storms of life… And try not to let the struggles get you down. They are designed to strengthen us!!
Remember the scripture that says,
Psalm 46:1-2,
7 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea; The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”.
My grandson, Sam, told me a few days ago, “Grammy, just wear dark glasses.” Don’t forget to listen to the advice of your kids – they are smarter than you realize!
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love, JanBeek
Be a friend to a firefighter Be a friend to your neighbor Be a friend who gives someone in need a reason to smile today.
Are you blessed with a daughter who is your DollyWolly? We are! Today is her 54th birthday. Happy Birthday, DeAna Laura Beekman Solioz!
Born August 29, 1967, DeAna was given her name because it was as close as we could come to having the DeAngeles (my maiden name) carried on. Just drop the tail on the g and that’s how the spelling of DeAna came to be.
Here she is with her brother Tyroneeee… at about one month of age… always sticking er tongue out!
DeAna and me when she was about 8 or 9 months What a cute little button nose, huh?
Her second Christmas… with Santa and brother Ty
I love this picture of her as a 1st or 2nd grader. Sparkly eyes… healthy new front teeth… and perky pony tails. So cute!!
This is such a precious photo of DeDe with her Grandma Beekman ❤
One of my favorites – – to show DeDe’s perky smile – about 8th grade, I think. Time flies!
And before you know it, she was getting married – and would soon move to Switzerland to live her life there as DeAna Solioz.
But we were very blessed to be able to put a bottle of our favorite Runquist wine in our suitcase, hop a plane, and spend time in Switzerland with her every other year (until COVID)!
Within 6 or 7 years, De and Andre’ had three sons – and watching Mike, Nick & Chris grow up has been a wondrous opportunity… (as they came here every other year during the first decade of their lives).
DeAna has retained her best buddy from her days at Downey High in Modesto, CA (and we have claimed her as or Daughter #2)… We treasure the times De returns to the states and we are able to celebrate happy times together with De and Laina. (That picture was 2019 before COVID) .
Recently DeAna had surgery… and it was hard being a mom with a daughter so far away at a time like that. But I sent her encouragement and love – like this meme:
And she sent me pictures to reassure me that she was doing OK. Thank God for the internet, huh?
Now De and Andre’ have a new restaurant and (God willing and the Delta variant doesn’t go crazy) we are going to be able to go there in October to see them and their place in person.
Happy Birthday, DollyWolly! We are so grateful to God for giving us such a wonderful daughter!
If you have the blessing of a daughter who is a DollyWolly in your life, embrace her once for me, wouldja?
And have a good night. See ya tomorrow (God willing) Hugs, JanBeek
Today’s topic was chosen before I read Caralyn’s post today. After seeing what she shared yesterday, I decided I cannot say anything on this topic that would be more meaningful than what she wrote. So, I am reposting her message for you here.
One of the most special things in my life, is the fact that my best friend since literally birth, is my neighbor in NYC.
Truly. Neighbors. Our buildings are 157 steps apart, and I couldn’t be luckier to have my true blue — someone who has been with me through thick and thin, the most supportive, loving friend right there — it is one of my life’s greatest blessings.
Anywho – I was over at her apartment last weekend for a movie night. We ordered Chinese food, drank wine, it was truly like we were a scene out of Friends.
We watched The Last Five Years. A very obscure movie musical that, truly, only the “buffiest” of musical theater buffs know about.
But anyway — there was a line in the movie that literally made me stop and say…WOW.
Has that ever happened to you? Like something is just such a truth bomb that it literally stops you in your tracks?
Before I get to the big one liner, a little background about the movie: it’s about a couple’s marriage that falls apart. How uplifting, right?
But it’s scenes from when they first met, all the way through when the man leaves her, told in an alternating fashion from their different perspectives, him: starting from beginning to the end, her: from the end to the beginning….if that makes any sense at all.
But there was a line in his note to her, telling her that he was leaving…and he said, “I could never rescue you.”
And, I mean – wow, not only did that hit like a sack of bricks to the heart, but when I heard, I immediately thought – truer words have never been spoken.
This — this is exactly why I was single for so dang long. This is exactly why only now, have I embraced and welcomed love into my life: because I was not in a whole state, where I could bring someone into my life.
I was not yet at a place where I could welcome someone into my life as a woman who loved herself, had forgiven herself from the anorexia in her past, and freed herself from that shame.
And now — sitting here in an amazing relationship with an incredible man, I can easily say that the most beautiful thing in life, is to love and be loved in return. For so long, I feared doing just that, keeping people at arms length, not opening my heart, because I believed that my past made me unworthy of love. But friends, that is the biggest lie and bunch of malarkey that was keeping me from living fully alive. And though that makes me so sad to think about the abundant life I missed out on, I know that God was in control all along, and allowing things to unfold and bloom in the perfect timing.
Recovery is a long and winding road, and long after you put the weight on, you still wrestle with that inner voice shouting that you’re you’re not enough, you’re too broken, you’re unlovable and full of shame. I thank God everyday for drowning out those lies with His truth. Because that is the only way I fully healed: Him. . The fact is: no one can rescue you. No one can love you enough to get better. No one can do it for you, or want it for you: You have have rescue yourself. Or rather — you and Jesus – together – have to rescue yourself. But you can’t expect your partner to save you: that’s not fair to them, not fair to you. And that’s why it took me so long to get to the beautiful place I’m in today: because I had to do the work. I had to go through that long, arduous, and difficult process of believing that I was worth loving.
And the crazy thing is: it turns out that LOVE reaffirms all the healing truths God was whispering to me all along: truths that I was precious in His sight, that I was forgiven, that my life has value, but more than that: I was loved beyond my wildest dreams.
Love is truly the last step to a full recovery. It is the key that unlocks the freedom to live fully alive — the life of abundance that God created us for.
And it makes sense too, because God is love. And His love sets us free.
And, now – living in that freedom, I can safely say it is the most beautiful thing in the world. And dare I say, what we were created for.
So — The Last Five Years — just goes to show that God can speak to you even in the most obscure ways: reminding us of His love, and the beautiful journey He’s brought us through, and helped us overcome.
Maybe this is super cheesy, and yeah, it probably is. 😉 But reflecting on all this, just makes me feel super grateful for this man who makes my heart feel safe, seen and loved. I might not need rescuing, but it is a beautiful thing to have a partner who loves and supports you just the way you are.
What’s a movie quote or song lyric that has stuck with you?
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
So, since Caralyn has reminded us that “Life is vulnerability,” and “Love is truly the last step to a full recovery,” help me embrace these bruises and love the changing colors, ok?? Love your troubles away! Are they on their way to full recovery?
EMBRACE LOVE
Believe it or not, it is getting better!
I dressed in yellow to match the yellow hew of the bruises yesterday (I’ve always loved the cheerfulness of yellow) and by this morning, the yellow is accentuated… maybe chartreuse is the color for this beautiful, sunny, blue-sky Saturday. ADD A LITTLE GREEN AND BLUE TO THE YELLOW.
Don’t you love it?
Now, there’s a face only a mother could love!
Caralyn wrote, “it is a beautiful thing to have a partner who loves and supports you just the way you are.”
And I couldn’t agree more. I am certainly grateful for my partner of nearly 60 years who told me I was looking better this morning! Oh my… better than what? Love me just the way I am??
My heart is breaking over the loss of the lives of 13 of our military in Afghanistan yesterday. The death toll from the blast includes 11 U.S. Marines, a Navy hospital corpsman, and one Army soldier, American officials said.
Today we learned the identity of one of those Marines who was needlessly killed yesterday in that bombing. He was only 20 years old. A young man who wanted to be a Marine all his life, according to a report I just heard. A young man who was due to be a dad in just three weeks. My heart goes out to his family and friends, the mother of his child, and to his unborn child. My prayers are with all those who lost loved ones in that attack yesterday… including the more than 100 Afghans who died in that bombing, too.
The above photo is Texas Marine David Lee Espinoza, 20, killed in Kabul airport attack… who was lauded for ‘courage and bravery,’
The young man is Kareem. His father’s interview was posted on-line. A portion of it was, “Kareem loved what he was doing, he always wanted to be a Marine,” said Nikoui, noting that his son had been stationed close to home, at Camp Pendleton. This made it easy for Kareem to visit on weekends, and he often brought along “10 or 15 other Marines” with him. When the holidays rolled around, Kareem always brought a few buddies with him for a home cooked meal.
As I write this post, additional names are being released of those who were killed in the Kabul bombing. This one just came in:
Jared Schmitz, 20, of Wentzville, Missouri, was among the dead, his father, Mark Schmitz told the radio station KMOX.
“This has just been absolutely devastating,” Schmitz told the station Friday.
Schmitz told the station the U.S. Marine Corps came to his home to deliver “the horrific news” around 2:40 a.m. Friday.
U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley confirmed his death in a statement posted to Twitter.
“Today I spoke with the family of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, of Wentzville, Missouri, a Marine who lost his life yesterday in the Kabul attacks, while proudly serving this nation. I promised his family that his service and his legacy will not be forgotten,” Hawley wrote.
I THANK OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND THEIR WORK TO KEEP US FREE AND SAFE.
God bless our military. Keep them safe, Lord. Let them come home to their families alive and well… not in a box!
Dear Friends, EMBRACE OUR MILITARY. They need our appreciation and support every day.
“The fun part of getting not one, but two black eyes, is making up some wild, harebrained event that caused them.
Sky diving accident?
Or when they turn yellow… trying out for a clown part in an adaptation of a Stephen King novel.”
I think I could pull off a clown part in a Stephen King adaptation, don’t you?
I don’t need to wait til they turn yellow… just match the magenta with my lipstick, clothing, and earrings, and (as Derrick suggested) EMBRACE THE BRUISES!!
It’s getting better – don’t you think?
If you’re just tuning in to this messed up face saga, I need you to know that I got into a wrestling match with a tiger – and I won. The tiger ran off into the woods, never to attack a human again!
And if you believe that, you need to buy my latest novel… published by Porterhouse … available on your next steak.
If you can’t embrace sunglasses and hide the damage, then ya gotta smile and bare it, right?
And while we’re at it, I have another story to tell you:
You know I’d not be likely to buy a case of beer – but good wine, now that’s another story!
Now if you think I have any flawless dance moves left in me, I have a glass of Kool-Aid to sell you. I have waaaay too many birthday stories to tell – and a whole lot of receipts for the Kool-Aid I’ve sold.
… especially the body parts around my knees and ankles!
I’ve had my right knee replaced. How about you, you got any artificial parts so they make you go through the metal scanner at the airport? Bob & I both get the fun of being frisked every time we take a trip!
But, we’ve decided flying is a better way to go instead of driving these days. Driving requires sitting next to one another and trying to talk to each other. After nearly 60 years of marriage, what’s left to talk about? On a plane, if you’re lucky, you get the center aisle – and somebody new to talk to.
Seeing better was a perk of younger years. Hearing better is a perk of aging… but it takes a set of $4000 aids to do it.
As the birthdays pile up, we have to be sure we have our bifocals and our hearing aids before we leave home.
Next it’ll be our walking stick or a walker!!
Try not to lose your glasses or your car keys – That’s one of the problems we multi-birthday folks have. But that’s not as bad a losing your memory.
Did I tell you the story about how I got these black eyes? Oh, I did? It was back on the blog called EMBRACE HARD HEADS –
Remember?
You don’t?
Oh well… That’s a story for another day.
Do you have a story to tell? Come on, be a sport… Entertain me!
Some days it takes courage to get out of bed! Some days it takes courage to look yourself in the mirror. Have you had days like that? Today was one of them for me!
So, I could go back to bed and feel sorry for myself – – or I could get up and face the day. I had to ask myself, WWJD?? (What would Jesus do?)
So, I began with that simple prayer…
Jesus said to me, “Get up and face the day! Be courageous!” So, I did… and by noon the one black eye was better and the color had shifted so it was on the other eye, too.
Not near as frightening looking!
Matthew 9:22
“But Jesus turning and seeing her said, ‘Take courage, daughter…’ “
My devotional for today in Mornings with Jesus reinforced the prayer response. So, up and out I went!
We have been having day after day with skies filled with smoke from the fires that are all around MT, ID, CO, CA, and OR. The mountains have been invisible to us weeks on end. But today I could see the mountains!
The view of the Madison Range from our Pintail Ridge here in Ennis.
By the time I spent a little time with a friend and returned home this afternoon, we had the clearest blue sky in months! See, if you have courage to face the day, God is good – and He will make you glad you did!
The beautiful view of blue sky above and around our home…
The moral of the story is, EMBRACE COURAGE!
Don’t let your hesitancy keep you from facing the day.
Get up, Get going, Get out, and Get happy!
God is good. Trust Him!
Oh, and remember those fires in CA? They are not over…
Please keep the firefighters and those in Harm’s Way in your prayers. Our son and his wife are sharing their home with a family of 8 who were evacuated from their home… but it is not destroyed… just in the evacuation zone … and the fire is still headed toward our granddaughter’s in S Lake Tahoe. So keep the prayers flowing!
See ya tomorrow – God willing!
EMBRACE COURAGE – and reach out to do what you can to help others…
Do you have a hard head? Have you ever tested it out?
I tested out the strength of my skull yesterday!
Not on purpose, of course.
I was walking to the back of the car to push the button that closes the hatchback. Friends approached from my right, so I turned to greet them as I kept walking. Little did I know Bob had pushed the button and the hatchback door was on its way down. I walked right into it! Ouch!!!
I heard a loud crack when it hit. A softer head would have split open and (as head wounds go) it would have bled profusely! But, I have a hard head, my friends! The blood stayed inside and created a black and blue goose egg!
Ah, thank God for friends!
Speaking of friends, Bob drove me home. My head was throbbing like crazy! I called our neighbor/friend, Janet, who is a nurse. She came right over. Ice packs, pain killers, Hugs and consolation… then alternating heat & ice. Just what the doctor would have ordered!
TazE in my lap
As if the care of a friend wasn’t enough, I was blessed with a very concerned, loving TazE. She never comes and crawls in my lap, but yesterday she wouldn’t leave my lap (except to get up every now and then, look me in the eye, kiss my cheeks and chin, and then crawl back into my lap). Aren’t animals amazing? So intuitive! She knew “Mama” was hurting… and she was there for me until the neighbors all arrived to make sure everything was OK and to pamper and feed me. Then TazE was content to go back to her own bed!
This morning, after a shower and a couple of pain pills, I was smiling once again… feeling no pain… and grateful that the swelling had gone down and the bruising had not traveled too far into my face.
Ah, my friends, EMBRACE HARD HEADS! They come in handy at a time like this!
Oh, and by the way, watch in the direction you’re walking today, okay? Hah! No point in testing how hard-headed you are!!
It helps to comb my hair over the bruise. You can hardly notice it, right?
Do you have big-hearted folks in your life? How do you recognize them?
This morning my husband, Bob, was driving to the nearest gas station on a new mower for the church that was donated by a big-hearted anonymous donor when the mower stopped. It didn’t have enough gas in it to get the two and a half blocks to the gas station.
He was stalled in front of the house of a lady we have known casually (she used to work at a furniture store in town). We didn’t know where he lived, but Bob recognized her when she came out and asked, “Can I help you?”
A few minutes later she returned from her garage with a gallon of gas for Bob to put in the mower so he could get to the station and fill up.
Yesterday our son, Ty, learned that a family of eight from his church had to be evacuated from their home. The Caldor fire is the one in El Dorado County, CA where we were concerned that Ty & Monika might have to evacuate, but their home seems to be below the fire line sufficiently for them to be “out of danger.” (We pray!)
Ty and Monika are such big-hearted people that they offered their home to the family while our son and daughter-in-law moved temporarily into their RV.
Now our concern is for our granddaughter, Faith. She and her husband are in South Lake Tahoe – and the fire seems to be headed for their neighborhood.
Our choir director/pianist for or church fell from the top of her steps leading into her garage a few weeks ago. She dislocated her shoulder and tore a bunch of ligaments – needing surgery. She lives about 40 miles from here – 40 miles from the nearest medical and physical therapy center.
Our big-hearted friends here in Ennis opened their home to her and her pup. They drove her the 50 miles from here to the surgery center – and back/forth to the major hospital over a couple weeks. Big-hearted people like them keep showing up in our lives. How about your life?
Today Bob was using the new mower to cut the grass at the church. We have ordered a mulching kit for it, but it is not here yet, so the grass was piled up on the sides of the mow strips as he cut the overgrown lawn.
Big-hearted friends who are members of our church offered to go and help rake and bag the lawn trimmings and take them to the dump.
How kind!!
It is that heart full of love that is big-hearted!
Reminds me of the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. If you will recall, when he reached out to the people in Whoville to help them, “His heart grew ___ sizes that day!”
Do you remember how many sizes?
That’s the key to being big-hearted… Reaching out to help others without expecting anything in return.
Whether it is with a gallon of gas or loaning your shelter to friends in need or taking a friend to their doctor appointment or providing food for a family who’s hurting or bagging lawn clippings, there are countless ways we can use our big-hearted generosity to make the world a better place.
Join me as we extend our heart to those around us…
and pray for those in need of food, shelter, friendship, health, safety, etc.
If your son was in a place like the one pictured here:
… with the red representing forest fires that are zero contained and the red arrow representing his home location, you would be embracing rain, too!
Play this sound of rain for a while.
As you listen, pray that God will provide rain for all the places in the world where drought or fires are placing people, animals, forests, homes, businesses, and livelihoods in danger.
Life can feel downright discouraging. Life can feel out of control. The world is burning up here in the western USA And life is tenuous at best In places like Afghanistan and Haiti.
Flames are uncontrolled Smoke fills Madison Valley Bless firefighters
As the red sun rose through the smoke-filled, sad, gray sky It cleared a little
Air quality sad My response is funky mood Looking for more rain
Sad Afghanistan The loss of life and freedom Brutalization
People desperate To leave Kabul rapidly Not a chance of that
The Haiti earthquake It’s horrifying! to see Worse yet to live it
In the midst of this Devastation, what’s the word? It’s ENCOURAGEMENT
How can that be true? Where to find encouragement? Get out of this funk!
In tragedy’s midst Where can I find strength and hope? Circumvent sadness?
How can anything I do or say dent sorrow? Search within myself?
I live in such peace That I feel enormous guilt For prosperity.
What strength is in me To bring firefighters hope? To save Haitian lives?
People who have lost Their homes and their businesses Still have lives to live.
Can they get through this With their faith in God intact? Where’s encouragement?
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Find hope biblically Look for encouragement there All is not hopeless
Don’t abandon faith. Let it bolster your spirits Encourage others
In our Bible Study, I was encouraged with this definition of joy:
I asked my Bible Study friends, “In the midst of all this despair, what can we really DO to encourage others and to avoid the pitfalls of discouragement and despair?”
They responded with these suggestions, “Pray, Write, Block negativity (especially on Social media), Volunteer to help others, and PLAY!”
There’s no better way To trade your funk for pleasure Than to learn to play!
Take a look within – How do you avoid despair? Click below and share!
Happy Sunday, my friends. I hope you had a great day. As usual, Bob & I attended church and I took notes as I listened to the sermon.
The message was delivered by Pastor Mary Grace Reynolds. The sermon was inspired by John 6:51-63.
I was amazed at how cleverly MGR took the scripture and applied it to today’s world.
Bread & wine
John 6:51-63 NIV
51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 52Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
The Living Bread
We come to church to seek comfort, But is that the point of our faith? Aren’t we called to be moved by Jesus? He appeared a bit delusional to His disciples.
Jesus suggested what was prohibited. People didn’t eat human flesh! That teaching came across blasphemous. Associating with Jesus caused them alienation.
Jesus’ message was meant to teach His followers that He was the food That would bring them into relationship With God … and not laws or codes.
God saves – Rituals don’t. God sent manna and now Jesus. First physical, then spiritual saving. Jesus told them, “I am the Bread.”
Trust Jesus to provide the catalyzing calories in our lives. Feed on Him daily!
Jesus is the Living Bread…
Drink in the Wisdom of the Word
God Bless You for visiting JanBeek today. I appreciate you.
Doesn’t that word make you smile? PLAYFULNESS is underrated! We all need to have days when we determine it is the Word of the Day! Today was that day for me!
It’s a good day to embrace playfulness. It’s a beautiful blue-sky, no wind afternoon. Bob & I are headed to play with friends Who are so dear… and so much fun to play with!
Terry & Jim – really fun-filled friends!
The Bible reinforces the idea of playfulness:
“Moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.”
Ecclesiastes 3:13
Eating Drinking and taking pleasure in the company of our “Hood”
Do you have friends who embrace playfulness?
I didn’t get this posted yesterday. I was having too much fun playing. So here we are another day…
Bob, TazE & I are headed out with friends on our ATV (Lucille – the redhead on which we have a “Ball”)
I wish you could come and enjoy this playfulness with us!
What kind of play is your favorite? What will you do to enjoy playfulness today?
This old church in McAllister, Montana is a treasure! The bell in the dome still rings, though the organ in the church no longer plays and the roof and foundation of it are compromised. It needs a lot of TLC.
Its history goes back to 1885 – when the land was gifted to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1887 the structure was completed. It was transferred to the Presbyterian Church (where Bob & I are members) in 1952.
We (as a congregation) love this old church, and many of our members, their friends, and their grandparents or parents or children or grandchildren have been married or baptized there.
Preserving precious old churches such as this one is an ongoing responsibility. It is costly and time-consuming. Respect for what it was and how it served its community in decades past keep us loving those old buildings.
Here are a few others that are treasures in their communities. If only they could talk!
Dilapidated Sadly abandoned old church Is God still in there?
Matthew 16:6. In many ways Matthew chapter 16 is a chapter about the church. Jesus was the first to mention the church. He only mentions the church twice, and both times are here in the book of Matthew.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “And I say unto you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
This is the first time that Jesus used the word church. He used the word church only twice, so it is good to know exactly what Jesus taught about the church. It may be that the things that Jesus taught about church are the things that are the most important to know about it.
Church is a place to trust in God’s promised presence ( Matthew 18:20) as we worship Him together, out of a sense of love and obedience ( Colossians 3:16 ).
When the church is functioning biblically, it’s more active and alive when the seats are empty, and the community is filled with those seeking to activate the gospel in love for each other.
Many of these old churches were also home to the cemeteries that bear the tombstones of its deceased members.
What a shame to allow them to deteriorate and collapse. But, who has the money for restoration and maintenance?
Weekly church attendance is down in our society today. It sometimes downplayed into a legalistic ritual. According to Pewforum.org, 61% of churchgoers attend to feel closer to God, while a sizable majority of non-churchgoers state they practice their faith in other ways.
Which is the right way? Modern society may beg us to believe the choice is ours, but biblical truth is clear about going to church.
Jesus Christ seeks in earnest to meet us on a day set aside to commemorate His defeat of death, to equip us to sustain our faith until He returns.
I am so grateful for my friends who sit in the pews with me every Sunday. Indeed, they help me sustain my faith.
Old churches remind us of the value placed on weekly worship in communities gone by.
Let’s all work to keep our churches vibrant, healthy, and inviting. Don’t let it become a place of ruin!
Oh the church in the valley Is a place I know so well… Listen to Jim & Jesse sing to you about it:
Do you have a little old white church in your history?
We went up, up, up into the Tobacco Root Mountains yesterday (west of McAllister, Montana) and we touched the sky on the top of the world!
The view looking east to Madison Valley was spectacular.
The view looking north was amazing, too. The camera doesn’t do it justice!
The ride up on our ATVs became bumpy and rocky, but it was fun! Through the trees, across the mountainsides, and up to the top. We could not have asked for a prettier day. After weeks of smoke-filled skies, this was a relief!
The sky looked threatening at the start of our ride.
But the clouds were less threatening as we continued.
Always fun to see cattle roaming free along the trail.
As we climbed up into the trees, the trail became more narrow and rockier.
Come ride with us!! Hang on tight!!
I was glad I wore a jacket, a scarf and a hat. The wind came up and it was quite chilly the higher we went.
CG and Caroline arranged today’s outing. Their delightful friends, Mike & Jane Dodson, were visiting from VA.
Tucked behind, check out Charlie, the Jack Russell. There were 9 guys – eight of whom drove the ATVs…
Here are Mike & Jane with 6 of the ATVs… Our “Lucille” is the redhead at the front of the line – on whom we have a “Ball!”
I want you to experience this mountain-top, blue-sky, perfect day’s vista with me!
Two of the guys and their gals left from the first look-out and didn’t travel to this very top with us… But here are seven of the troopers with TazE being babied by Bob!
Here are Ron & Linda, two who needed to head back down from Lookout #1. It was good to see them!
We took at lunch break at the mountaintop before heading back down.
Took the same trail back down that brought us up to the top. It’s actually easier going down!
Thanks for joining us today.
Maybe one of these days, you can come to Montana and join us for a ride. What do you think?
Today’s sermon was titled, “Please Go to Bed Angry.”
What??? We all know what the Bible tells us:
So how could our pastor, Mary Grace Reynolds tell us to go to bed angry? What a weird twist on a well-known scripture, huh? What was the point she was making? Here are the notes I took as I listened to today’s sermon:
Sit with yourself in silence Long enough to feel the anger That’s hidden inside of you.
If you’re not angry, You’re not really livin’ – Anger is a quiet, deep given.
Anger leads to rage and hatred. Anger leads to destruction – And we might not know it’s there.
I’m angry, and I name it. I see it; I control it. Paul tells us, “Walk away!”
Don’t let your anger lead you to sin. Some people hurt us intentionally And the gospel says, “Walk away!”
But there are people in our lives Who need to be there – And we may find some of them “angry.”
What do we do with anger? Acknowledge it, define it, use it. Let it build for the common good.
When I “feel” anger, It doesn’t have to define me. Sleep on that anger and address it.
Weather the conflict and Don’t let it divide us. Initiate the pain confrontation.
Managing anger demands strength And a clearness of mind. Let it be the light illuminating a better way forward.
Amen?
Anger is like boiling water inside you. It bubbles up and alerts you To the need to get it up and out.
Righteous anger is addressed In the Bible very clearly when Jesus overturned the tables.
The money changers were Ripping off the worshipers. Jesus would have none of that!
John 2:15 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. Matthew 21:12 12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. Mark 11:15 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves…
If Jesus had slept on that anger, Might he have responded differently? I doubt it. The situation was untenable!
Some actions and incidences Deserve our righteous anger. No need to sleep on it!
But other reasons for anger Are not so clear cut! Let the resolution stew a while!
After sleeping on it, You may find there is a better solution Than the one you thought of yesterday.
Let God speak to you. Listen to His calming influence. Respond biblically!
So, while we may embrace the right to be angry, And we may feel justified exhibiting righteous anger, The real path to a peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling life Is the path described in Colossians 3:12. It’s my choice!
I begin each day with devotionals That point me in the right direction. Then as I walk in His will the best I can, I try to spread His love and affection.
The “take-away” from each day’s reading Is a way to stay the true course. Let me share last month’s daily thoughts. “Daily Guideposts” was my source.
Daily Take-aways
Catch Problems Early
Support Others’ Efforts
Look for God’s Signs
Let Hope Abound
Embrace Today
Let God Lead You
Keep Moving Forward
Look for a Hopeful Future
Worship and Serve the Lord
Respond to Life Cheerfully
God Meets My Every Need
God’s Wellspring Quenches
Let God’s Word and Light Guide
Tend My Heart’s Garden Daily
Show Your Love and Appreciation
Trust God
Stop Worrying
Be Open to Opportunities
Be Thankful for Family
Trust God to Answer Prayer
Embrace Butterflies (Know the chrysalis important)
Listen for God’s Ah-Hahs!
Rest Secure in God’s Grip
Just Enjoy Life
Embrace Christ’s Power and Presence
We are One Family
Live Intentionally
See God’s Goodness
Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
Know God Knows
Thank God for Life!
Each sunrise is an opportunity To begin anew and make life better. Carry the daily take-away with you And live following Christ to the letter.
He led the way with His perfect life, Showing us how to love one another. He didn’t promise a bed of roses, Didn’t create puppets who would smother The good in each day or be down-trodden. God created us to be strong and tenacious. Gave us a heart we could stretch and broaden.
So, from sun up to sun down each day, Embrace the opportunities you are given To reach out in love and compassion And improve the place where you are livin’
What “Take-Away” speaks to you today? What can you embrace with open arms? What road beckons you to drive in and enter A place that needs your love and charms?
Embrace each day as a new beginning – A time to see what you can do To make the world a better place, And encourage those loved ones close to you.
How will you do that, my friend? What can you do to brighten the corner where you are?
My mom
My mom brightened her corner… That was one of the original “selfies” – (around 1989) Long before the word was coined with the use of our cell phones!
Such a character!!
Mmmmmm
I co-hosted fellowship after worship service today. Baked yummy, moist, gooey, chewy chocolate cupcakes… Mmmmm…
What will you do to brighten the corner where you are?
Where would we be without the helpers in our lives? Yesterday a young lady came and helped me clean my house. Climbing ladders to get to light fixtures and getting down on my hands and knees to do floors is just not in the cards for this 82-year-old body any more. God bless my helper!
While I was getting help inside, Bob had two helpers out in the yard. Like my inability to climb ladders and spend time on my knees, Bob has discovered that his body has some new limitations, too. It’s just not wise for him to try to trim the trees or do all the weeding and hedging on his own. Thank God for the young, strong helpers who are willing to come and lend a hand!
Our daughter, DeAna, in Switzerland, had need of repair this week. She had polyps in her uterus. Thank God, they were benign, but they needed to be removed. Thanks to the “helper” who used her gold dust to repair/scrape De’s uterus and bring her back to full health… more beautiful than ever!
Just as we need help with the physical work as we add years to our bodies, so do we need help with tasks that are beyond our skill levels.
Today our daughter, Laina, discovered a problem she couldn’t fix. A neighbor’s tree had lost a limb during a recent storm, and the limb crashed through her guest bedroom window. With the help of a gracious and talented helper, she now has a new double-paned glass. Thank God for helpers!
I am reading a book titled, “Life is Messy” by Matthew Kelly. In it he describes the Japanese art of Kintsugi. It is repairing broken objects with glue that has gold in it.
He wrote, “When a vase or bowl or cup is broken, artists gather up the broken pieces and glue them back together. …They mix gold dust with the glue. They don’t try to hide the cracks. They own them, honor them, even accentuate them.”
Matthew Kelly’s point in bringing in the concept of Kintsugi is that we all are broken and in need of repair.
He asks the question, “Can someone who has been broken be healed, and become more beautiful and more lovable than every before?”
And his resounding YES is illustrated by these repaired bowls.
He makes this point very clear: “We are each other’s wounded healers. We posses the gold dust needed to glue other people back together, making them more beautiful and lovable than ever.”
Where would we be without the helpers in our lives? Our broken souls would remain broken… and Our sad hearts would break in two… without those who love us with their gold dust of love that glues us back together again!
Embrace Helpers… Those who help us clean, Those who help us garden, Those who repair our cars or fix our broken windows… Those who help us heal… God bless them all!
God bless YOU for being a helper.
I made sandwiches for those young people who were out there helping Bob with his yard work. We each can do our part – we all can be helpers!
How did you use your gold dust to help someone else today?
Have you had a worry today? Something you have no control over? I have!
My daughter, DeAna, in Switzerland had surgery this morning. When I went to bed last night, I prayed to God.
“Take care of my girl, God. Be with the surgeon. Guide the anesthesiologist. Make the results perfect. Keep the whole process in Your capable hands!”
I set aside worry. I slept soundly after giving it to God. This morning DeDe sent me a text. “It all came out ok. I am fine!”
Praise God for answered prayers!
Do you turn your worries over to God in prayer? Then, do you remember to thank our Heavenly Father when the things and people you pray for turn out OK?
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Every day I sit in my rocker up in my sanctuary and I pray for my family and friends. I pray for my neighbors and my church friends, I pray for my pastor, my cousins who live in other states, my son and daughter and their families, and I pray for you, my Word Press friends.
If I have know specific needs (like DeAna’s surgery this morning), I will make my requests specific. But most of the time I just ask God, “Please take care of these beloved people. You know their needs. Be with them, Lord.”
Like a river cutting through rock. my prayers are tenacious. I know God hears my prayers. I know the Holy Spirit speaks to me and reminds me of the people I need to remember. I know God expects me to be persistent in prayer. I am inspired by the way Jesus prayed.
This painting of Jesus praying sits in front of me in my sanctuary. So, as I pray, I know Jesus intercedes for me. I know He hears and He models prayer for me.
Luke 6:12
“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.”
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Prayers for Yourself
Not all prayers are for others. Sometimes we need to pray for ourselves. We need to ask God to provide for our needs and we need to thank God for the way He provides.
Bob and I will celebrate our 60th anniversary next February. Every day I pray to God for Bob’s health and safety and I thank God for sending him into my life. Every day I spend with him as my partner is an answered prayer.
Every day our lives are blessed by the power of what love can do. Our love grows richer year after year. Are you so blessed, too?
We are grateful for the love we share and the way our friends and family love us in return.
Thank you, friends. Thank You, God… for answered prayer!!
We found a love only few ever find.
If life should end tomorrow, I’d leave this earth a millionaire – Because every day with you, my dear, Is a day of answered prayer.
I love you, BobbyBee.
What answered prayer is your “million dollar gift” my friends?
Don’t cry for the gold. Winners aren’t always first place. Winners just show up!
Be in the moment. Let your spirit soar and smile. Guard your mental health.
Thank you, Simone Biles, For being so courageous. You are our hero!
Embrace This Moment!
We are proud of you, Simone!
I’ve lived to try my very best. I’ve learned to accept defeat. But, when all of my dreams Are a heartbeat away, I just take a deep breath And keep on trying.
I AM more than I thought I could be… God knew I could be all this and more… After all, He made me! Give me one moment in time… And I will be all He made me to be. I will be free.
See ya tomorrow (God willing) – Embrace this moment!
I’m on an art kick these days. Can you tell? Various artists out in WordPress Land have been relating to my blogs in the last couple of days about our Ennis Arts Festival and the 50+ artists who exhibited their talents there.
I am not a person who identifies myself as an artist. An art supporter, yes. But an artist, wellllll … that’s questionable. But, music is an art – and I play the accordion and clarinet and I love to sing. My love of and pursuit of music makes me an artist, right?
Also, I love to cook. Culinary arts count, right?
How about writing? Is it an art? You know I love to write.
In addition to writing, I do love to doodle. I just discovered a new term: Deep Doodle!!
What is a deep doodle?
Well, it is a sketch or drawing that comes from your unconscious mind without your conscious mind interfering. Think of it as what doodles usually are but in an extended way and coming from a deeper place.
How about you? Are you a deep doodler?
A useful comparison is the idea of automatic writing where writers just start scribbling down ideas in a kind of flow state without thinking intentionally about what they are writing. Deep doodling is the artist’s version, allowing for a spontaneous flow of art free of organization and forethought. Does that sound weird or fun to you? Perhaps both!
Have fun expressing your artistic inclinations in whatever way that makes you feel creative! You know we all are formed as creative beings, endowed with talents we have not begun to explore. Do you have a latent talent? What is it?
You are born to be creative. Where does your untapped creativity lie?
Maybe it is Deep Doodling! Release it! Embrace it!
Listen to this Ted Talk about the “Hidden Path to Creativity.”
When you can look with fresh eyes at old data, the creativity occurs. Surrender your old preconceptions!
Deep Doodling allows you to look with fresh eyes – pushing forward into heretofore uncharted territory!
Deep Doodling connects you to Ah-Hah moments – Let the scales fall from your eyes. Develop the ability to hold focused awareness!
Let what is unclear become clear as you let that still small voice emerge in your doodling! Explicate & replicate!
You can create powerful change! Create something that produces wellness!
Invoke and pull out the insights that allow you to make choices that prepare you for a better future.
Unleash your creativity! Unleash deep doodling and let it draw you in to uncharted waters!
The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.
― Neil Gaiman
More than 500 people came to enjoy the display of art at the Madison Valley Arts Festival yesterday.
Sue Kinn-Brown created something new with pottery. I love her poppy motif.
Another artist created unique purses with beautiful fabric. I love this elegant belt as its closure.
Joe Gillispie used old wood to create a unique table (Thanks, Joe! )
This artist used her photography skills to capture unique images. Then she enlarged and framed them. Aren’t these fox kits adorable?
As a seamstress, “Joy” creates personalized gifts.
You can capture meaningful phrases and create unique wall hangings.
This is personalized fishing gear. Those rod cases and fishing nets include etched names – personalized for your favorite fisherman!
Start your children young – enjoying art festivals and creating their own art… Who says giraffes can’t have red eyes?
This children’s art area also gave kids a chance to paint rocks. Why not?
Always good to have a spot where young artists can create their own unique items that weren’t there before.
Let your photography enhance other folks’ homes! Do you have a wall that needs something that wasn’t there before?
Thanks, Margie Reck, for ordering our 25th anniversary cake. Baking and cake decorating is another way to create what’s not there. And within a half an hour it’s not there again! Festival customers enjoyed this dessert – celebrating with us!
Before these artists created their cakes, photo images, colored giraffes and painted rocks, rod cases and wall hangings, stockings and tables, purses and pottery, those items obviously were not there.
Use your God-given talents and unique inspirations to create what’s not there yet.
The world would be a very different place, a much less interesting place, an environment with much less beauty if we didn’t have artists. Thank God for our artists!
Today was our Madison Valley 25th annual Arts Festival. (well… almost annual… we had to cancel it last year because of COVID). Nearly 50 artists from Montana and Idaho gathered here in Ennis to treat us with their displayed talents. It was a delightful day. Come and join me to enjoy the festival vicariously.
That’s me in the pink top … Ennis Arts Assoc. President Chelsee Mahsman (sec.), Batb Bunge (volunteer coordinator) and Barbara Swan-Roger (treasurer)
People started setting up last night!
These two set up early this morning
They did very well with their sales
The Presbyterian Women (I’m a part of them) sold baked and canned goodies. Baking and cooking is an art, you know. They sold out!! That’s Cindy, Stephanie & Hailey!
It was a beautiful day in Peter T Park – a venue made possible by the Madison Valley Bank.
Benny and her hubby served a record number of lunches from their “Li’l Hogpit Trailer”
Starting at 11:30 and continuing until 3:00 pm, there was a line of customers at the Li’l Hogpit.
We really enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich.
The Tune Tanglers provided music from 10: to 2: That’s brother & sister, Peggy & Jim – Great musicians! Jim Groshong and the Ennis City Ramblers played from 2: til the rain chased ’em out about 3:30 PM
The musicians are setting up here… By 10: am all the chairs were filled with appreciative listeners
Here are some of the artists:
This is EAA member, Sherry Gold. One of Sherry’s paintings is in my entry at home.
I don’t know ALL the artists’ names… so forgive me for not telling you who each one is.
This gal was new to our festival this year.
These giant flies might catch a whale. You think?
Here are Sue Kinn-Brown and her hubby, Verne Brown. Sue was our Festival chairperson and Verne was the lead set-up person. Congratulations, Sue & Verne for a fantastic job!
Here’s some of Sue’s pottery
This beautiful cutting board sold quickly!
I love this donkey!
Joe Gillispie creates gorgeous tables. I have a cross up in my sanctuary that he made for me. I love the inlaid turquoise.
Joe’s wife Barbara, is an invaluable member of our EAA… a member of the jury committee and secretary of our Planning Committee. I love her!
These rustic originals are so whimsical!
Many of the jewelers used local stones as some of their materials.
Bob bought this for me as a birthday gift. I love it! It was created by Linda Sommer L Designs 411
One of the most fun things about events like this one is the opportunity to make new friends. We had a great visit with this couple from Idaho. Maybe Blaire will join our EAA and display his art here next year! Sonja and I became instant friends!!
This talented young artist was new to our festival. Such a cutie! Great talent!!
Gerry Mooney is an EAA member who is a terrific photographer.
We had such a wonderful assortment of various art medium in attendance!
Just look at this beautiful bowl!!
I worked most of the morning here at the EAA information booth, selling raffle tickets and answering questions about who or what’s where. That’s the chair where I sat…
Many of our vendors told us this one their most successful festivals in years. Customers were enthusiastically generous!
There was so much to choose from!
In addition to that beautiful turquoise cross necklace, Bob got me this antelope pillow!!
It looks great in my living room! Our neighbor and friend, BJ Radell, created it. Check out her fiber arts at BJ Designs … bj@rondack.net
Maybe next year at this time, you can can to come to Ennis and help us celebrate our 50 year anniversary as an Ennis Arts Association. I’d love to house a bunch of my Word Press friends and have us enjoy the festivities together! Think about it!
Thanks for taking my Art Festival tour with me. Which kind of art do you like best?
We may even take you out on the Madison. What do you say?
Embrace thoughtfulness. Express appreciation. Take none for granted.
Express thoughtfulness. Embrace opportunities To show gratitude.
Thank you, WordPress friends, For being so very kind. I love your comments!
“But I rejoice with a deep and holy joy that now at length you have revived your thoughtfulness for my welfare. Indeed you have always been thoughtful for me,”
Phil. 4:10
True Friends express thoughtfulness to one another
Ba no kuuki wo yomu culture in Japan. The ability of “Sensing someone’s feelings” generates thoughtfulness in Japanese culture and “understanding the situation without words”
A Thoughtful Tenacious Man
Thoughtful is not just how you treat others, but it is how you treat yourself, too. It is how you embrace life.
Steve Jobs is a man who faced many challenges in his life – experienced enormous success – and endured failures that would have devastated a more thoughtful, tenacious man.
A while after he knew his life span was limited, he gave an address to a group of college graduates. It is labeled as “One of the Greatest Speeches Ever.” It will give you pause to be thoughtful … and to experience the rest of your life much more thoughtfully. Do take time to hear it (even if you have done so already).
Ten thoughtful take-aways from Steve’s message:
Your beginnings in life do not have to define your life’s endings
Being a drop-out does not have to make you a loser. Trust that it will work out OK.
Tenaciously stumble into opportunities as you discover them. Grab them!
Dropping out may give you a chance to drop in to something better.
Find what you love and thoughtfully pursue it.
Don’t be afraid to start over; enjoy the lightness of being a beginner again.
Don’t lose faith.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Live each day as if it is your last.
Death clears out the old to make room for the new… your life is limited. Make the most of it.
Embrace Thoughtfulness. Live thoughtfully!
What did you think of that Steve Jobs address?
Thanks for visiting – and thoughtfully responding.
People’s homes are in danger. Firefighters’ lives are at risk. The habitats of birds and deer, chipmunks and moose, squirrels and rabbits are being devoured.
The smoke blows in. The sun is hidden. Gray engulfs our valley. I hate gray!
And yet, as I sit here looking out at the gray, praying for rain to douse the fires and chase the smoke away, I hear the birds chirping in the trees.
They see the same gray sky, smell the same smoke, feel the same humid, sultry air, and yet – they sing! They dance in the leaves. They fly free – knowing a rainbow sits beyond the gray.
Want to be happy? Just embrace contagious joy. Hang with happy folks!
Find reasons to smile. Folks will smile back at you. Smiles are contagious!
Bee contagious!!
Psalm 144:15
“Happy are the people whose God is the LORD.”
The Good News:
God is the true source of happiness, strength, hope, and wisdom.
Those who are in His favor will always have these things.
Just as mopey people can pull you into the doldrums, Happy People can lift your spirits and make you smile. Happiness is a choice… choose it! Beeeee Contagious! Spread JOY! SMILE!
I really appreciate all the Happy Birthday wishes extended my way this past weekend. Thank you so much!
Even though I am happy to tell you I am starting my 83rd year on earth, I am also happy to tell you that I am a fan of Jack Benny. Now, if you are too young to remember who Jack Benny was (or you are in another country where Jack Benny was not a nationally known figure), let me tell you: Jack Benny was a comedian who embraced 39 – and decided to stay that age forever more!
Actually, I embrace aging (I wrote a blog using that title once) – I I have no desire to be stuck at 39 or any other age.
Each year brings new insights. Each year brings new joys. Each year brings new challenges. I don’t want to miss any of them.
How about you?
“Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.”
Each day I pray for wisdom. Each day I ask God to increase my understanding and I thank the Holy Spirit for the fruits of the spirit that are mine: LOVE, JOY AND PEACE. And I ask God to help me with the other fruits of the spirit: patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… those that I work to increase as I mature in my faith.
How about you?
As I gather up those birthdays and mature in my faith, I remember to keep a child-like spirit. Enjoy that song. Sing it often. Teach it to your grandchildren. Sing it with your great-grandchildren. Put it in your heart.
You can’t be a lemon or a grape if you wanna be a fruit of the spirit!! Who wants to grow up to be a lemon anyway?
Work on that patience, Jan … your great-grandchildren need to see you model it! And your grand-dog needs you to exercise that gentleness and kindness, too. Ain’t always easy.
How about you?
My great-grandson, Xander, needs my love and joy, and I need patience, kindness and gentleness in abundance!
On my birthday, Ty (our son) and Bob went out fishing (not catching… just fishing) … and that required a lot of patience! I went along for the joy of the ride. It was cool on the water in the morning, but the afternoon warmed up.
That evening Ty and our daughter-in-law, Monika, Bob & I went in to Bozeman for dinner and dessert. We had a delightful time at a table out front of “Hooked Sushi” enjoying the music being played down the sidewalk a half a block, and the people and dogs walking by. Such fun!
Only in a college town would you find this kind of vibrancy. I love it!
We went after dinner to a very popular ice cream store … and had great fun with some college students who were in line ahead of us. Look at this cute kid! (Ya, I had fun teasing him …)
Bob, our new friend, Jan (me), Monika & Ty – Pretty sky, huh?
That’s our son, Ty, with me
We enjoyed the fun of chatting with our son & Moni while we waited.
Back home we found a wonderful bottle of wine waiting for us – a gift from our dear neighbors. Thank you, Charlie & Janet!
Birthday roses from my granddaughter – Thank you, Hope and Drew!
Flowers from our friends, Kathy & Ron- with a really cute card! Such fun! So nice of them!
Happy Birthday wishes from our #2 daughter, Laina… I loved hearing her sing to me – from Maryland to Montana ❤
And our #1 daughter, DeAna, sang Happy Birthday and sent us a picture of her beautiful flowers at their restaurant in Switzerland. Lovely, huh?
Sunday afternoon Bob, Ty & Monika went kayaking/paddleboarding while TazE & I found a shady spot and relaxed.
TazE found some cool grass and took a nap until…
Eloise and her Grandma Susie came. With such good company, I put my book aside and TazE left the shade to get acquainted.
It was a smokey day in the Madison Valley… Lots of forest fires in the area – and the wind blows the smoke into our little piece of Paradise on Earth.
You can barely see the mountains outlined back there… not a typically beautiful day on Ennis Lake. Pray for the forest fires to be contained and the firefighters to be safe!
My friend, Caroline Feldman, took this photo at Ennis Lake last year with the swans clustered.
Here’s my photo taken from that same area at Ennis Lake last winter… See, you’re supposed to see the mountains!
Meantime, the paddleboarders returned – And we returned home to enjoy our last evening together. Ty & Monika left this morning…
Thank you, Dear Ones, for coming to help make my 82nd birthday so memorable and special.
Now TazE and I are stretched out, relaxing, and looking forward to an evening watching the Olympic swimmers.
What are you doing this Monday evening besides surfing the net?
It was a very Happy Birthday… Forever 39 at heart… Thanks to all the friends who sent greetings. I love you!
“ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
My Prayer for Today
“Gracious God, how grateful I am to rest secure in Your grip forever.”
God’s Not Gonna Lose Me
In today’s devotional time, Daily Guideposts 2021 reminded me that while I may misplace my sunglasses or my phone occasionally, God never misplaces me!
In his comments, Bill Giovannetti recalled a time when his daughter asked him, “What if I lost God? Or what if God lost me?”
Her younger brother responded, “Right, Josie, you’re the only person in the whole wide world that God forgot about!”
Reading Romans 8:38-39 together, Bill and his son reassured Josie and asked her, “If God keeps His Word, what is that verse telling you?”
“It’s telling me God never loses His sunglasses,” she said, “Or me!”
Today Bob & I celebrated my birthday (I’ll match Bob’s age – and be 82 tomorrow). Our hands certainly show the wear and tear of work and years!
But, like that hold God has on us, we’ve got a grip on one another – and we’re not letting go!
GG (Great Grandma Jan) with Xander
Taking a clue from us and God, Xander’s got a grip on his GreatGrandma Jan (GG – that’s me!) and he’s not letting go!
Sienna & Hope (my great-granddaughter and my granddaughter)
My great-granddaughter, Sienna, gets a grip on her mommy, my granddaughter, Hope. When children have a hold on loving, devoted parents, God smiles.
Sienna with Ty
It’s a double blessings when Grandpa gets down on the floor with his granddaughter. Our son Ty helped Sienna learn how to get a grip on puzzle skills.
Sienna with Monika
Children are blessed indeed when they have a grandma who reads to them. Sienna gets a grip on what books are all about with Grandma Monika’s help.
Hope, TazE, Sienna, and me
How special to get a grip on my great-granddaughter, Sienna, and her mommy, Hope … while they get a grip on TazE, our Boston Terrier!
Monika, Sienna, Hope and Bob
Not every family has the privilege of gathering 4 generations together! Get a grip on longevity … and the joy of embracing great-grandpa!
Xander and TazE
Such fun to see TazE getting along so well with Xander!
Xander decided he needed to get a grip on those puzzle skills, too.
Monika and Hope with Sienna & Xander… They sang Happy Birthday to help me get a grip on turning a year older. Not older… just more mature, right? So nice!
Ty & Monika brought their big dog, Nakota…
… and TazE had trouble getting a grip on having such a big buddy!
She was exhausted! Time to get under the table and get a grip on some rest!
Today I read a story that so inspired me that I borrowed it. I hope Alicia Bruxvoort doesn’t mind!
I posted a link to it on my FB page and I am embedding it here for your enjoyment and inspiration.
Do take time to read it. You will be glad you did… and then put on your Jesus glasses and see the world, your life, and others through the eyes of love and grace!
Thank you, Alicia, for sharing your writing talent and your faith with us. God bless you!
Picking up on that theme of “Jesus, I Wanna See What You See,” I decided to check out You.Tube for “Seeing Through God’s Eyes.”
Look at what I found… this is an amazing video – Guaranteed to help you apply the ideas Alicia shared in her story!
Yes, as Alicia concluded, “We can just see better when we borrow our Father’s eyes.”
As you embrace borrowing, what have you read or seen or heard lately that you can pass along to inspire others? Hope you’re having a beautiful Thursday. See ya tomorrow…
Embrace Butterflies Yes, it’s so easy to do! Figuratively.
Butterflies represent emergence to me
Build a chrysalis – Then sequester for a while. Pop! You’re beautiful!
No longer a worm!!
We all sequestered – We had to during COVID- Now we’re emerging.
Coming out brilliantly
Some folks are fearful – Thinking COVID’s not over. Maybe it isn’t.
Is the pandemic behind us?
With the variant Running rampant in places, Some crawled back inside.
Tiptoe outside carefully
Some still wear their masks; Some won’t go to restaurants – Prefer home dining.
Depends where you live
Remaining inside Is important for some folks – Others spread their wings.
Unique!
Like these butterflies, Each situation’s different. So, to each his own!
One of the lessons I learned during this past year and a half or so is that no two people react exactly the same to the same stimulus. We hear through our own filters. We see through our own past experiences. We can’t lay our trip on someone else! We all built our own chrysalis and stayed inside as long as we felt we needed to. Some are inside still. We all will emerge more beautiful in our own sweet time, if we allow our “feelers” to engage with our own needs while respecting the needs of others.
Embrace the butterfly. Fly when you’re ready. See ya in Big Sky!
Your pastor plants seeds With each sermon presented. You fertilize them.
You add nutrients To the soil where they’re resting By watering them.
Water the ideas By ruminating on them. What was the message?
Each week I take notes. I capture the main ideas As they resonate.
Today’s seeds that Pastor Mary Grace Reynolds sowed were inspired by Ephesians 2:11-22 and enhanced by the experience she had Friday night and Saturday morning with a group of young bicyclists who were traveling 4000 miles for cancer research. Here are my notes that I took while listening this morning.
TENACITY
Serving 400 hours as a hospital chaplain Was required in my seminary studies. Why God – why? What’s the answer? With integrity and stamina, just serve!
Ephesians 2 is not about empty connections. It’s talking about the death of our worst instincts. It’s talking about getting on board with Christ. Paul believed Christ would come back yesterday!
We’re still here thousands of years later… Wondering when that victory over death And division will come to this earth. The Kingdom of God didn’t come in Paul’s time.
It hasn’t come in our time, either. Addictions, abuse, fires, death, wars continue. Where is the world where all divisions are erased? We’re here to put our feet on the ground and be hopeful.
Moments of hope will come to you. The U of Austin bike riders were my moment. Stories of lodging needs and cancer research, Tenacity, friendship, and HOPE scenarios entered.
Hope is a screamer and fighter. Sometimes it works out for the good. HOPE is the reality that God is love. Evil will not win. God’s hope will!
Say YES to what pulls on your heartstrings. Say YES to the reality of God’s hope. Say YES to Truth and love and reaching out. Say YES to cancer research and to helping.
Every inch gained in the fight against cancer Is an inch toward life and hope. We are building the Kingdom of God here Where violence and oppression will be foreign to us.
With tenacity, hang in there. With tenacity listen to God’s response to Your questioning… Why God? Why? With tenacity and stamina and love, just serve!
Amen
Let’s just grow flowers of love.
Embrace Your Pastor. He or she needs your support – And needs your feedback!
Happy Sunday. Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (God willing).
