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Archive for December, 2019

Forgiveness

Two-Way Street

Forgiveness is a two-way street. Not only do we need to forgive others, but we need to forgive ourselves. Sometimes that is much harder than forgiving others.

So, as this decade of 2010 to 2019 ends, commit your heart to forgiveness. Let go of any hurts from others. Tell them so. And let go of those regrets that creep into your heart and cause you to scold yourself.

None of us is perfect. We all make mistakes. We all say things and do things and think things that we regret afterward. Forgive yourself … and move on!

Be Strengthened

Let those mistakes (sometimes intentionally placed in our lives … so not mistakes at all) be building blocks toward a better you! With 20/20 CLARITY, let this new decade be a time of strength and sincerity, compassion and courage, challenge and change, faith and fearlessness.

Know in the midst of life’s struggles that you are never alone. In my devotional this morning, I am reminded of God’s love for me and His changelessness with Ps. 59:10

Fluctuating Emotions

It is our fluctuating emotions that cause us to ask for forgiveness and then take back the guilt that God has taken from us. We try to forgive, but we remember. We remember our own wrongs. We suffer the wrongs others have inflicted on us, carrying them in our hearts long after we think we have given them to God. The devo from Guideposts for today tells me, “Stop that!”

Accept His forgiveness. Acknowledge His death that took away our sins. Know His changeless love and His unconditional acceptance of us. And pray with me the prayer Rebecca Barlow Jordan wrote as our “Faith Step” for today in the last entry of Daily Guideposts 2019:

“This coming year,
as I confess any wrong things in my heart to Jesus,
(either my own wrongs or those inflicted on me by others),
remind me to thank Him for His changeless love and acceptance.
(And help me imitate His unconditional love
as I interact with others… and with myself.

Amen”

May 2020 begin our decade of CLARITY.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Jesus, life, Life's Challenges, Love, Memories, peace, prayer, self-acceptance, truth

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My Prayer For You

We had a wonderful day yesterday – the day of Bob’s 81st birthday. It started at our son’s house in Placerville where happiness definitely knocked on our door and entered in full array!

We went to church with our family at “Jesus Culture” in Folsom. We filled a row in the congregation of more than 1,500 people. It was amazing! Every seat was filled. People were standing in the aisles. The music and the message were God-inspired.

After church we visited dear, long-time friends whom we had not seen in a decade. We learned that our friend has stayed in touch with us (between years of Christmas cards) by following my Facebook posts. She doesn’t click “like” or leave a message, so I had no idea that she was one of my regular followers. When we got together, the years dissolved … and it was like we had never been apart. Do you have friends like that?

After that wonderful visit, with a delicious lunch and memorable, heart-felt, warm conversation, we returned to our son’s house where we celebrated Bob’s 81st birthday. Our daughter-in-law and granddaughter made Bob’s favorite birthday “cake,” a Jamoca-Almond-Fudge pie. Mmmm!

I pray that the happiness we feel be in your heart today. May it knock on your door, stay late, and leave the gifts of peace, love, joy and good health behind.

Happy December 30th.
Have a wonderful day.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Aging Gracefully, blessings, children, Christmas, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Gratitude, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, prayer, Serving One Another

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Teach Us to Number

Psalm 90:12
(The prayer of Moses – the man of God)

“Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

80th Birthday – 2018

A year ago this day, we also were here in Placerville with our son and his family, joined by friends who came to celebrate Bob’s 80th birthday. The picture above shows Bob with the card Ty & Monika created for him using candy bars to accentuate the message.

Aging Gracefully?

The days between then and now find us both slowing down a bit. He finds it necessary to catch cat naps during the day more often. Outdoor chores take a toll on the back and leg muscles. Physical activities (like downhill skiing) are still fun, but hours on the slopes, taking the double diamond runs, without a break… well that’s not a good idea anymore.

How can we accept the aging process that seems to limit our energy? Well, duh … what’s the alternative? We die – or we become grumpy – or we listen to our bodies and take those breaks when the need arises! Aging gracefully means thanking God for all the things we CAN still do … and not focusing on the things we CAN’T do anymore… at least not at the speed and length of time we used to. Right?

Number our Days

We know our days are numbered… and only God has the answer. We know Jesus Christ promised He would come again and take all who believe with Him to our eternal home. Only God has the number of that day, too. So, our job is not to worry about what the numbers are, but to live fully for as long as He gives us.

Living Fully

That photo of Bob with our son, Ty, granddaughter, Faith, and her husband, Kyle was taken at our house in Montana last Thanksgiving.

A year ago Bob went skiing with Ty & Faith here in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This year, the crowds and the conditions caused Bob to say, “Let’s wait til we come back through in January and ski then.”

Someday Bob’s skiing may be limited to pulling our great-grandchildren on a sled in the snow… that is if we are fortunate enough to live long enough to gracefully accept the limitations that numbered days may bring!

Meantime, there are spring times and summers, autumns and early winters when the fishing is great in Ennis, Montana…

And there is always yard work that beckons him to keep the lawn trimmed, the flowers healthy, and the weeds at bay…

… and in the winter there is rarely a time when there is not snow to shovel!

We look forward to the numbered day on our ATV when we can enjoy with friends the beauty of the mountain trails above our Madison Valley.

Gain a Heart of Wisdom

Yes, looking at what we CAN do and not dwelling on the things we find more difficult to do as we add to the number of our days… that’s part of wisdom.

So is taking time daily to read God’s Word, and apply his principles to our lives.

In Psalm 90,
Moses’ prayer also says,
(in verse 10)
“Our days may come to seventy years,
or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass and fly away.”

Thank God, Bob can say, “The best of them are here and now… and with God’s blessings the best are also yet to come.”

They may quickly pass (as we age they seem to fly by more quickly with each sunrise and sunset), but we do not focus on the trouble and sorrow.

Focus on your blessings, my friends. Focus on the CANS, not the CAN’Ts!!

Enjoy each day… and look for the wisdom it contains.

BOB!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
on the occasion of this wonderful 81st birthday.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Bible Lessons, Family, Fishing, flowers, friendship, God, Gratitude, happiness, Jesus, life, Life and Death, Life's Challenges, Love, Montana

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First Coming

From George & Kathy Goodrich
A poem by  Madeleine L’Engle

First Coming

He did not wait till the world was ready,

till men and nations were at peace.

He came when the Heavens were unsteady,

and prisoners cried out for release.

He did not wait for the perfect time.

He came when the need was deep and great.

He dined with sinners in all their grime,

turned water into wine.  He did not wait

till hearts were pure. In joy he came 

to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.

To a world like ours, of anguished shame

he came, and his Light would not go out.

He came to a world which did not mesh,

to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.

In the mystery of the Word make Flesh

the Maker of the stars was born.


We cannot wait till the world is sane

to raise our songs with joyful voice,

for to share our grief, to touch our pain,

He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

 Madeleine L’Engle

Photo by Edu Carvalho on Pexels.com

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Christmas, Faith, God, Gratitude, Jesus, Love, Poetry

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The Intimate Word

John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh
and dwelt among us,
and we have seen His Glory…
full of grace and truth.”

Meaningful Relationships

Meaningful Conversations
help lead to
Meaningful Relationships.

The grace and truth of “The Word”
are two of the most essential elements
of meaningful conversations.

“The Word” is Christ – His Love – and His Example to us.

The “thinking, talking, and acting”
in faith are essential elements of
meaningful relationships.

The Beekman “Chat Area.”
Conversation area in Ty & Monika’s house

Importance of Intimate Words

Meaningful conversation is not small talk.
It is heart-felt, genuine sharing from your soul.
It’s transparent.
It doesn’t have to be long.
It has to be deep and authentic.
It has to be free of intimidation,
and opening intimate…
knowing it is spoken in TRUST.

Our son, Ty, is exemplary of this:
Smile and Trust –
He shares openly –
We’re so grateful!

From “This Day’s Thought,” an anonymous quote reminds us:

This Day's Smile

“The love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay,
love isn’t love till it’s given away.”

Those moments of honest, intimate sharing are the most precious memories of the season.

Stay Connected

Yesterday we went with Ty, Monika and Sam (our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson) to Amador County, California. Kevin (the one in the black jacket) was a high schooler – and friends with Ty in their teens. Distance cannot keep us from remaining friends with Kevin, his wife, Karen, and their beautiful daughter, Morgan.

Just as we stay connected with them through annual Christmas cards and occasional phone calls, and face-to-face visits whenever we can, we also stay connected with Kevin’s parents. Our honest, open, intimate sharing of life’s joys and struggles keeps our friendship alive and meaningful. It’s a blessing!

Bob with our son, Ty

Family Dynamics

Just as “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we [see] … His Glory… full of grace and truth,” so it is that this son of our flesh, a gift from God himself, dwells among us full of grace and truth. We are so grateful for the way in which he and Monika open their hearts and home to the greater family … and allow us to converge on them en mass!!

I showed you this picture earlier this week. Isn’t it amazing?

We are a diverse group of people, connected by the Love of Christ, the Blessings of the Spirit, and the determination to remain open and honest with one another. It ain’t always easy. It ain’t always purrrdy! But, it is always worth it… and it is what God calls us to do.

Love One Another

I Corinthians … “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always TRUSTS, always HOPES, always preserves.”

May the love in your heart reach out in honest, intimate, trust-worthy conversation. May it protect and preserve your relationships. May it be

  • transparent.
  • deep
  • authentic
  • innocent
  • free of intimidation
  • openly intimate, and
  • shared in TRUST.
God Bless You!


Tell me about a relationship
you are keeping alive with
intimate words of love and caring.

Thanks for being a sharing friend.

Bye for now.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Christmas, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Gratitude, holidays, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, prayer, respect, Serving One Another, Travel

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Friday Morning

It’s Friday after Christmas –
The tree is standing there
With lights and ornaments sparkling
But underneath, it’s bare.

Presents all were given
To our loved ones with a smile,
But now the family’s leaving –
Traveling off many a mile.

We created quite a ruckus
As we laughed and reminisced.
Sisters and their families far away
Were in our hearts, but missed.

A dozen of the Beekman/Payne Family

It’s a quiet Friday morning –
The family is mostly gone.
I sit alone with my memories
In this beautiful early dawn.

What memories of Christmas
Float in your heart this day?
I hope they all are happy ones –
As loved ones are safely on their way.

Grandson, Sam, beat me by two points in ping pong. But, I gave it a good fight… 23 to 25!
I enjoyed helping Monika prepare our Christmas salad and asparagus.
I hold happy memories of Jordan being the attentive daddy…
Ty & Monika’s dog (more like a horse), Nakota, loved his present!
Sharing OUR treats was okay, but don’t try to take HIS bone away!
My favorite part of Christmas

It’s not the Christmas presents
Given from under the tree;
It’s the present of love’s presence
That means the most to me.

God gave us His Son on Christmas morn.
We celebrate the JOY of Jesus’ birth.
Celebrate the gift of LOVE He gives to us
With our friends and family here on earth.

Merry Christmas weekend to you, my friends.
May Christmas live on in your heart.
May you always remember His gift of grace –
And pass that love and peace along – do your part!

Happy Friday. from Bob & Jan.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Sending love and hugs…
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Animals, blessings, children, Christmas, Family, food, friendship, Giving, Gratitude, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, peace, pets, Poetry, prayer, Sharing

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Family, Food, and Fun

Christ First at Christmas
Family, Food and Fellowship
Fun Around the Tree

Christ first
Tree ready for family gathering
Generations working cooperatively to make the Christmas dinner – aged tradition: spaetzle!
Mmmm… chicken, spaetzle, asparagus and salad …. yummy!
Our granddaughter, Faith, made that spaetzle batter from an old family recipe.
Family in Switzerland celebrated Christmas, too. Thank God for internet communication! There’s Andre’ with one of his gifts; and Mike with Tania (his sweet girlfriend) in the background.
California family sent video cheers from their Christmas gathering.
Bob and I feel so blessed with loving family and good health. Thank You, God!
Our daughter-in-law, Monika, was the perfect hostess.
And our son, Ty, the perfect host!
Ruthie & Darrell, Monika’s parents, are such a blessing to have around. Are you blessed with loving, compatible in-laws, too??
Our daughter, DeAna, in Switzerland, is blessed with the most angelic mother-in-law in the world! Here is De with her husband, Andre’, his sweet mom, Denise, and our middle grandson, Nicky. We appreiated keeping in touch this Christmas day.
Grandma Monika had the perfect nest for her granddaughter, Cosette, who returned to spend Christmas afternoon and eve with us.
Faith enjoyed the talking book we gave her. It was created with her and her siblings’ voices 20 years ago as a birthday gift for her great-grandma. Time to pass it along to the next generation and let Faith enjoy her own 4-year-old voice.
Faith’s husband, Kyle, got a kick out of hearing Faith’s sweet 4-year-old voice, too.
End of a long day- Cosette said, “Time to sleep!”
Grampy Bob said, “You’re right, Cosette. Good night!”

I hope you had a Christmas filled with Family, food, and fun, too. I pray your memories are as sweet as mine. Merry Christmas, my friends. May the spirit of the holidays live in your heart and bring you joy – all year long!

Have a great day after.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

children, Christmas, Family, food, Giving, Gratitude, Haiku, holidays, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Poetry, prayer

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Image

Merry CHRISTmas!

Written

on December 25, 2019

Merry Christmas Eve Day

Ho Ho Ho, my friends

It’s Merry Christmas Eve Day

How did your day start?

Looked out our window:

What a surprise! Snowed last night.

Had a nice breakfast.

Sammie- our favorite waitress

Headed for family

California, here we come!

Merry Christmas Eve!

See ya later

Category:

Love

Christmas-time Travel

How did your day start?

Our day started out by loading up the car with suitcases, presents, and ski equipment. Then we delivered a few things to friends in town and stopped at Maples Coffee Shop for a wonderful egg/sausage breakfast sandwich and delicious cup of coffee before heading toward Christmas at our son’s in California.

Lori & Kevin Billings

Maples Coffee Shop is a wonderful, delicious place in our little town of Ennis. Kevin & Lori are super hosts!

When we headed out, roads were clear and skies were blue with growing clouds.

The farther west we went, the colder and more gray the skies became.

But the weather held off and the roads remained clear. Praise God!

Now in Elko, NV, after a delicious dinner, we’re ready for a good night’s rest. We’ll travel the rest of the way to our destination tomorrow. Sleep tight! 💤 😴

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Love

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