You may know the song, but do you know the story behind it?
It is well worth your time to listen to this wonderful explanation
and to hear the gorgeous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
When peace like a river attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul It is well With my soul It is well, it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come Let this blest assurance control That Christ has regarded my helpless estate And hath shed His own blood for my soul
It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul!
It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul.
Source: MusixmatchSongwriters: Bliss Philip P / Spafford Horatio / Langley Leanne
When peace like a river attendeth my way…
It is well with my soul. May it be well with your soul, too. God bless you! Have a wonderful week.
Today’s sermon by Rev. Steve Hundley at Ennis, Montana’s Presbyterian Church was titled, “Swept Up in the Current of God’s Love.”
In my typical fashion, I listened and took notes in poetry to capture the message as I was received it.
I like this image for today’s bulletin cover because the message as I pondered it was: “Listen for the angels’ announcement. Listen with your heart, and Be swept up into the realms of JOY!”
Based on and reflections from Luke 1:39-55
Mary rushed to tell Elizabeth The anticipation of Jesus’ birth. But Elizabeth already knew it… Elizabeth knew it? How on earth??
Mary felt a song swell up And bubble over inside her. She sang acceptance and praises. Elizabeth beamed beside her.
We don’t think of God exploding Into our lives this season. Our upside-down world seems to forget The JOY, the Message, the Reason.
The story of Mary and Elizabeth Reminds us of the glories of the event. To make Christmas more meaningful, We need to focus on the love sent.
Mary and Elizabeth didn’t make the joy. They WERE the joy – growing in them. God’s presence exhibited the miracle. The peace and JOY of God began then.
We’re not the master of all this. The grace and love are gifts. We’re the grateful recipients. With Jesus’ birth, the world shifts.
The angels announced the Savior. The vulnerable baby was born. His life changed our destiny. No longer are we lost or forlorn.
Mary’s Magnificat is a message To all of us to be steady – Steady for Christ’s coming. Listen with your heart – be ready!
Be prepared to be swept away By the current of God’s love. Be prepared for that Bethlehem baby Who came to save us from above.
Thanks to Elaina for our Nativity gift which arrived at our doorstep today!
Yes, the angels announced that heavenly Baby Who came down from God to us. Now we’re awaiting the angel Who’ll announce an end to all this fuss.
No, Reverend Steve didn’t add that last stanza to his sermon… but I just couldn’t help myself! Don’t you love that COVID angel? No?
Ah, come on… let’s add the need for a freedom announcement.
Freedom from the pain of this pandemic. Freedom from the need to wear masks, socially distance, stay at home, and isolate.
Can you read the mask’s label? “Coughy filter” Hah! Get it??
Bob & I are wearing our masks whenever we go out. Are you?
Don’t let this Coronavirus get to you…
Don’t take to the bottle to try and drown the pain!!
Make wise decisions!
Keep your eyes and your ears tuned to the Holy Spirit and be ready to be “swept up in the current of God’s love.” Jesus’ birth is the reason for the season – And the grace and hope He brings will keep you swimming in love and joy. Believe!
JOY comes in the morning! My friend, Lisa Glines, sent me this sunrise picture this morning.
The following poem came from Lisa yesterday as I was waiting for Bob’s angiogram results.
“Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come. Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”
Jaime and Kathy played the piano and keyboard as Jim played the saw for some special music this morning.
I always imagine that saw being the only instrument some old cowboy had on hand in some distant days gone by… and learning to eerily try to play a tune on it must have been quite an interesting pastime!!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
I hope you enjoyed these tidbits of my Sunday. Bee safe! See ya tomorrow. Bee well!!
Life is so full of things to say Thank You to God for… Lift your eyes to the sky And look for so many more.
The ability to look at life Through eyes of gratitude And find JOY even in times of trouble, That’s a healthy attitude!
Reaching out to friends Who will hear and join you in prayer – And believing in its power… You will find real JOY there!
Make friends who’ll pray with you…
Philippians 4:4-6
“Rejoice in the Lord always… Let your gentleness be evident to all… Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
… Good friends hug and cry with you, too!
Good friends join hands in mutual support!
Thank you for your love, prayers and support yesterday when I was waiting for the results of Bob’s angiogram procedure. You’re a treasure.
I reJOYce in your presence in my life. Have a blessed weekend. See ya tomorrow. Love & Hugs, JanBeek
Enjoy this beautiful, inspiring song and… … Keep Lookin’ Up!!
In my journal yesterday, I created a six stanza Haiku. It’s where I’m comin’ from on this day when I delivered Bob (my sweet husband of 58 years) into the hands of a surgeon. It’s a relatively straight-forward procedure… an angiogram to determine any heart issues that were not detected with the x-rays and EKGs. Bob is in good hands… and I am here in the hotel room relaxing:
What is Heaven like? I can only imagine. I see glimpses here.
The help of a friend The love of dear family Colors of sunrise
The pureness of snow Unconditional pet love Hidden surprises
Magnificent Son Thank you for your sacrifice So freely given
The warmth of welcoming hugs
Sending tight, heartbeat hugs to Bob as he undergoes his heart procedure
My daddy’s hugs were the tightest!!
… and eternal rest – That’s where my daddy is now. What is heaven like?
I can only imagine!
Hugging blankets works When hugging arms aren’t available
Just got a call from the hospital. Bob is out of surgery. Heart looks good. No blockages. No stents needed. Thank you, God, for hearing and answering prayer.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek and praying with me! You’re the best! See ya tomorrow.
The light of God surrounds me The love of God enfolds me The power of God protects me The presence of God watches over me Wherever I am, God is.
My Sanctuary
I repeat that prayer As I begin every day, Standing in this spot.
I turn off the light And let God’s light shine through me – Reflecting His Love.
Everywhere I go, I have faith that everything Has His protection.
My view from my sanctuary
The Bible is full Of protection promises Here’s three hours worth!!!
No, I don’t expect you to sit here for three hours and listen to all these scriptures, but they prove a point… just as that nursing baby proves a point. Protection is out there. Protection is yours. “Wherever I am, God is.” Believe it! Own it!
God is my refuge… my Savior. Jesus said, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.”
I pray you feel His protection this day, too.
God bless you!
I hope you found comfort here.
The Lord is my Shepherd…. He refreshes my soul and guides me along the right path. Fear no evil…
It’s that time of year again. “Bah Humbug!” declared Mr. Scrooge. Our sermon today started on that same note. See my poetic notes below.
Rev. Steve Hundley Madison Valley Presbyterian Church Ennis, Montana 12-6-20
“Here We Go…”
“Well, here we go again,” The woman spoke with regret. The Christmas season has arrived – We must prepare lest we forget.
Prepare for peace on earth – Prepare for goodwill toward men. But will we feel the peace? Will there be good will again?
This year seems so very strange. It’s hard to enter with trust The coming of the Christ Child. But trust and hope we must!!
God’s chosen people felt The same worn-out feeling of despair. They were caught in the wilderness, Feeling God was no longer there.
In this time of pandemic, We’re tired of this quarantine. The pain and struggles continue. What does all this mean?
Are we caving in to hopelessness? Can’t we remember God is good? We must live hearing His promise And believe He’ll save us as He said He would.
If we have ears to hear And we have eyes to see, Know God’s message, “Here we go anew,” Is meant for you and me.
God has the power to get us out Of this situation we’re in. Believe! Have faith in God. Carry His hope. Carry His light within.
Share that light with others. Walk in His way and then you’ll know The peace and trust Jesus brings. “Here we go anew!” Let it glow.
Advent is about preparing room For something new at our place. So stay alert and wait with faith. God is coming in Christ – Clear a space!
Amen
Our friend, Jim Forsberg, sang this beautiful song today in church, accompanied by his guitar (sung here by the marvelous Susan Boyle). The words are so beautiful. Be sure to click on that link and enjoy.
Prayer of Confession: “Merciful God, always with us, always coming: We confess that we do not know how to prepare for Your Advent. We have forgotten how to hope in miracles; we have been distracted by the challenges of the past nine months. Forgive us, O God. Grant to us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph that we may rediscover the good news of the child born for us. Amen”
Merry Christmas, my friends. Happy Advent. No “Bah Humbug” here!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. I pray your Sunday was a lovely one.
Thanks for all your love-filled comments on the “Dogs in Heaven?” post yesterday. My friend, Fran appreciates all your prayers.
I wrote this poem for my friend, Fran, as a comfort as she sees Hannah off on her final journey. Bon Voyage, dear pup. You’ve been a treasured friend for over 15 years. You’ve earned you eternal reward!
I Believe
I don’t have to understand In order to believe. I just have to trust – And know it’s okay to grieve.
When tragedy strikes – Like the death of a friend – I don’t have to comprehend Why my friend’s life must end.
I can just believe There’s a heaven and a hell. My friend will ascend To eternity to dwell.
In heaven are the ones Who lived by the Cross. They accepted God’s grace, So their death is not loss.
There are people and pets In that paradise up high. I don’t have to understand – Just anticipate the sky!
Rest in Peace, Sweet Hannah. Your cross to bear has ended – Your life you shared and blended. Your soul to heaven ascended.
See ya round the bend!
Have a blessed Saturday. Say a prayer for my friend, Fran.
These pictures below are from a book by Cynthia Rylant titled, “Dog Heaven.” It was a gift to us from the Colorado State Veterinary Hospital staff after our beloved Boston, Angela, died following a two year bout with cancer.
And thank God there are fields for romping in Heaven.
See ya round the bend. (Do you have a pet waiting for you in Heaven?)
The Reason for the season Is not always clear. Today as I was decorating, This message caught my ear.
Time to decorate For the coming of Jesus. It’s Holiday Time.
Time to decorate The foyer and entryway; Put up Christmas wreaths.
This fresh wreath is in the cool foyer
This one’s in the entry (on the other side of the foyer). See the stairs to my sanctuary there?
Time to decorate Dining room and kitchen, too. Poinsettia in place.
Time to decorate Living room and outside, too. Hang lighted snowflake.
Time to decorate For the coming of Christmas Where is the manger?
Is Jesus in your decor?
I can decorate. The reason for the season Must be apparent.
Bring out the hand-made stockings and all the memories those stockings bring to mind!
When I hang this little guy on the tree, I remember Bob’s years as a beekeeper.
Bob’s Aunt Nora made this one. She lives on in our hearts.
Before we had TazE, we had two other Boston Terriers: Angelo and Angela. Their memories remain alive with these ornaments.
Remembering our Bostons is part of the Christmas joy.
Look carefully at that picture. Santa is back there… But in front of him is a clay manger scene. It looks pretty primitive. That’s because it is! Out son made this as an art project in Sunday School when he was about 6 years old. He’s now 55.
Do you keep such works of art and take them out each year to treasure the memories?
Can you guess what this is?
It is a case from a friend who visited from Africa – and in the case are these darling manger scene figures made from grasses:
They remind me of our dear friend from Zimbabwe, Lamiel, who lives in my heart.
Grandma Beekman’s Christmas egg
When the Christmas decoration boxes come up from the basement, with them come so many memories. This is a real egg with a window cut out by my dear mother-in-law, Laura Belle Beekman. She painted it red, decorated it, and added a musical angel to the center of it. It was my Christmas gift from her in the early 60’s, shortly after Bob & I were married. With her Faberge’ style eggs, she comes alive again – and lives in our Christmas decor.
See the date on this? 1971!!
When I hang this ornament on our tree each year, my Hillsborough, California kindergarten class comes alive. This one with our kitty, was the sample I made as my students were creating theirs – with a picture of themselves on their ornaments. One of those students, Heidi, still has hers. She posted it on FaceBook last week. What a treasure! Heidi is now 55!!
The boxes of ornaments are filled with memories. Not all can go on the tree… But it’s such fun to decorate.
How are you doing with your holiday decorations? Have you put up a tree? Or do you have a Menorah? Or an Advent Wreath? Tell me about your decorating fun this time of the year.
And meantime, click on the link below and enjoy two of my favorite singers singing one of my favorite Christmas songs.
Merry Christmas is coming… Enjoy your decorating! And don’t forget the REASON for the SEASON!! See ya tomorrow. Love, JanBeek
Where’s God? Is God asleep? It seems to me In these days of COVID He is fast asleep at the helm. Where do His miracles abide today? God does not sleep in dark times; He lights a candle and waits for our enlightenment to see His path and find the dawn.
I was inspired by Dwight at Roth Poetry who wrote his quadrille using “Abiding Love” as his subject. Thank you, {{{Dwight}}} – I loved your poem. You will, too, dear WordPress friends! Check it out at
