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Archive for March, 2022

Daily Take-Aways

Do you take time each morning to read your Bible, pray, and study at least one devotional? It is such a powerful way to start each day.

Let God help you begin your day with your heart focusing on a message you receive during the time you begin with Him. I’ve been using Guideposts’ devotionals for over a decade now. I find it to be constantly spirit-lifting!



Daily Guideposts’ format includes a selected Bible verse, a reflection on that scripture, a prayer, and a couple of related scriptures in a section called Digging Deeper.

Before leaving the daily page, I write my “Take Away” on the page. It’s a message I carry with me that day – a lens through which I encounter what the day brings. Here are the daily take-aways from this month of March 2022:

Daily Take-Aways in March 2022

  1. Trust God’s Perfect Timing
  2. Wear Your Faith
  3. Enjoy a Grace-Filled Perspective
  4. Forgive Always
  5. Seek His Help First
  6. Where He Leads Me,
  7. I Will Follow
  8. Seek God’s Wisdom
  9. For Everything – A Season
  10. “Bee” Compassionate and Patient
  11. “Bee” a Servant Leader
  12. “Bee” Not Dismayed
  13. Stay the Course
  14. Pray for our Troubled World
  15. Give Cheerfully
  16. Trust His Perfect Timing
  17. Pray for World Peace
  18. Take Delight in Others
  19. Life is An Adventure
  20. Jesus Never Leaves Us
  21. Show Agape Love
  22. Believe: I Am Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
  23. Avoid Procrastination
  24. The Spirit Flies
  25. God Supplies Our Needs
  26. Focus and “Bee” Clear
  27. Adopt the Courage of the Cross
  28. He Equips Me
  29. Wake Up Eager
  30. Share Your Smiling Face
  31. Enjoy the Unexpected

If you follow my blog and have a read a few of my posts this past month, you recognize that many of those take-aways were the inspiration for JanBeek’s posts. Which of those topics resonated with you the most?

Will you consider creating a “take-away” from your Bible or devotional reading each day? Try it! See if it helps you focus in a new and different way.

Before I leave you this evening, I need to wish you a Happy April, my friends. Tomorrow’s a new day. It’s a new month. And as I write this my youngest granddaughter, Faith, is in labor – expecting my #4 great-grandchild. We are expecting a beautiful little girl. I am praying she is born quickly, as painlessly as possible, and as perfect as God creations can be. Won’t you pray with me? I’ll keep you posted.

Faith’s older sister, Hope, has given us two great-grandchildren:

Here is Xander
Great-grandchild #1
Here’s Sienna,
Great-grandchild #2

Faith’s brother, Jordan, has gifted us with great-grandchild #3 :

Here’s Cosette!
Look at the RunAway Bunny –
Too cute, huh?

I can hardly wait to meet
Great-grandchild #4.
Here is her mommy, our granddaughter,
Faith,
when she was a baby:

Aren’t I a blessed lady?

What’s your take-away today?
Happy April 1st, dear ones.
No fools among us!!

See ya later today
with my good news, OK?


Love,
JanBeek

Don’t take-away love!
Give it generously instead!
Good night!!

Embrace the Unexpected

Are you flexible?
Enjoy the unexpected –
Invite surprises!

The unexpected
May feel like it’s hot water.
How do you react?

Find the surprises
That are positive in there.
Look for the blessings.

What unexpected
Things have you experienced
During this past year?

This 100 year old silo in Malta, Montana
is the source of our new wood floors.
Paul (standing on the top of the silo)
is repurposing the wood – one floor at a time.

He was scheduled to use some of the wood
to replace our wood floors last year.
Instead he fell, broke some ribs, and was
having massive headaches. Couldn’t work!

The unexpected fall caused the doctors
to take a good look at his head
to try and determine why the headaches.
The images showed a brain tumor!

If not for the fall, the tumor might not
have been discovered – at least not so soon.
After surgery successfully removed the tumor
and the ribs healed, Paul was able to work again.

We had seen the wood being installed
in the cabin of some friends nearby.
Bob fell in love with the character
of that 100 year old floor with the nail holes.

It was totally unexpected that we would
one day be enjoying that beauty in our home,
but it is done now – and Paul has totally recovered.
Count your blessings – they come in many forms!

“May he grant you your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans!

Psalm 20:4 ESV

Bob’s enjoying the unexpected sunshine
on this day that started with snow.
God bless the blessing
of blue sky!

See how beautiful our floors look with
the warmth of the milk chocolate walls?
And it goes so well with the rug
we brought up from downstairs!

Tell me about an unexpected blessing
you have experienced recently.
It doubles our blessings
when we share them.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Embrace 5 Ways to Keep Long-time Friends

Bob & Victor

Victor Salazar and Bob have stayed in touch for 50 years. How has that happened?

Victor was Bob’s wrestling student when Bob coached at Hillsdale High in San Mateo, CA. back in the 1970’s. Every year at Christmas, we exchanged Christmas cards. Victor let us know where he was each year – and his career took him to over 30 different countries! What a joy to have Vic come from Alabama to reconnect with us here in Montana! (That photo was taken last year when I first posted this blog)

I have had the fun of that kind of connection with former students, too. This is Ty Stiles and his wife with Bob & me. He was my kindergarten student in 1962! I named our first child, Ty. We never let Ty Stiles out of our sphere of contact. He was in my prayers daily. He came with his wife, Roxanne, from California to visit us a few years ago. About a year after his visit, sadly, Ty left this earth for his eternal home. My memories of him and his visit warm my heart every single day as I look at the cross he welded and sent to us shortly after his visit.

There’s no greater joy
Than to reconnect with friends
From long, long ago

Look up for your purpose!
Look up to the cross
Recall its loving meaning
Embrace those friendships

5 Ways to Keep Long-time Friends

  1. Pray lovingly for them daily.
  2. Be sure to keep them in your address book and write to them often (don’t just rely on social media)
  3. Pick up the phone and talk to them, emptying yourself into them… it’s an investment. Be loyal and be confidential.
  4. Let them know how much they mean to you, but don’t force the relationship. It has to be natural. Don’t insist that the relationship is forever reciprocal. Some friendships are meant to be seasonal… and the season may last years – but maybe not. You can’t control that.
  5. Be honest and transparent with them … let them see your warts. It shows you trust them not to hurt you… and you are trustworthy in return.

Embrace Long-time Friendships
Never let those precious folks go
Keep them forever in your heart
How long we’ll be here, we can’t know

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

Embrace Long-time Friends
My heart’s covered with footprints.
How about your heart?

See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love,
JanBeek

Equipped!

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Ephesians 2:10 (a & b)

“For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them.”

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

As often happens to me,
I read the first devotional
this morning in Daily Guideposts,
and I was inspired to choose
the word for my blog today.
EQUIPPED!

Then when I opened
the next devotional,
“All God’s Creatures,”
the March/April
Daily Devotions for Animal Lovers,
and the word “equipped”
showed up twice on that page.

What are the chances, you ask?
Pretty good batting average, I’d say.
There it was again:

Ephesians 2:10 (a)

“For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus
for good works.”

The story in “All God’s Creatures” was about a woodpecker who was “beautifully equipped for his unique purpose in life…” as he aggravated the writer with his incessant tapping on the tree trunk outside his window.

The writer, Terry Clifton, mused that he, too, is “a result of God’s handiwork – equipped with talents and skills that have meaning and purpose for [his] life.”

What has God equipped you with?
What unique gifts and talents do you possess
that allow you to let God’s workmanship
shine through you to fulfill His purpose in your life?

On the Daily Guideposts’ page for today
Jerusha Agen wrote,
“All I have to do is walk with God
through each day,
confident He will provide
all I need to accomplish His work.”

Heart made of sand

It all sounds so theoretical, doesn’t it?
About as solid as that sand in the hand.
But, what scripture is telling us
is that our hearts are not made to be solid.

We are not expected to look at tasks
from our earthly perspective.
Tasks are formed for us beforehand
by our Maker in Heaven.

Don’t eliminate the second part
of the Ephesians 2:10 scripture:
“…which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them.”

Photo by Werlley Meira on Pexels.com

Like a skilled woodworker
Who sees the image inside the log,
God chiseled our lives and purposes
Before the world saw us.

The tasks placed before us
Are designed with us in mind.
Look at them with Jesus glasses
And see their infinite possibilities.

Do not be overwhelmed
by the world’s naysayers.
Walk with God through each day
Confident you are equipped.

Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels.com

He’s gotcha in the palm of His hand.
He directs your path – and hears you.
He sees your needs and equips you.
Rely on Him – and step out in faith!

What tasks are you equipped to accomplish today?
“If you see someone falling behind, walk beside them.”

Let love pour from your heart
like sand from your hand.

I’m off for a walk in faith.
Join TazE & me?


See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love to you,
JanBeek

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

I was five years old
in 1944
when this movie was made
and this song became popular.
(Yup, I’m that seasoned!)

Later Tiny Tim sang it –
With his insane falsetto!
And then Paul Anka crooned the tune.
I like the original the best.
Maybe it’s just nostalgia at work.
Maybe it’s Hedy Lamarr’s dancing?
Did you recognize her?

How about you?
Will you tiptoe through the tulips today?

It was the year Bob & I were married (1962) when Tiny Tim emerged on the scene with this same song.
Check out the cigarettes, the rolling eyes, and other responses that would never fly in today’s world.

Real signs of spring
A beautiful gift of love
From my heart to yours

Tiptoe together
Through the fields of sweet tulips
Or just enjoy them

Here’s my bouquet
on our living room table.
I love tulips!

Oh, and just in case you wanted to hear more of Tiny Tim (I know those of you who heard him for the first time wondered about his TV debut performance and how he was “discovered.”) Sure you did!!
Here it is… the way he was introduced to the world on Laugh In:

Ah, how times have changed. Joking about burning draft cards and gender identity and other items that got a laugh back then would raise more than a few eyebrows today, don’t you think? Tiny Tim’s story of enduring ridicule – and a mother who wanted to have him evaluated at a mental hospital – and then eventually rising above the fray is one you may not have heard before. Check it out if you’re interested. His was an amazing career:

Have a beautiful, tulip-filled Sunday.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Love,
JanBeek

Focus!

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The word for today:
FOCUS!

The question for today:
FOCUS on what?

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You know where I am going with this.
You know that I begin each morning in my sanctuary
where I focus on scripture, devotionals, and my angels.

I have a collection of these wonderful angels.
Most were given to me as gifts from dear friends.
Each has a story to tell – each reminds me of someone special.
Some have wings, others do not. I focus on their message.
“Lift someone up today.”
“Let the Chains of Love bind you to others.”

Photo by Binti Malu on Pexels.com

It was my first devo today that caused me
to choose the word FOCUS as my focus.

Then each scripture I read –
and each of the other devotionals
seemed to reinforce those thoughts
until I got to the last one for the morning.
It was in a book titled,
Ever Faithful” by David Jeremiah.

And what do you think the title for today is?
“Clouded Vision”

And the scripture for today?

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you,
be of one mind,
having compassion for one another,
love as brothers,
be tenderhearted,
be courteous.”

The story accompanying the title and scripture could not have been more perfect!
(Thank you, David Jeremiah, for this!)

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of Heart!
Music that calms the soul…

Have a great weekend, my friends.
I am off to clean my windows.
I need to see the world around me more clearly.
How about you?

What’re you focused on today?

Go Ahead – Waste Time!

What is wasting time?
Is it just doing nothing?
Or is it something…

Something other than
What is expected of you?
Whose expectations?

Where do we get clues
About what is important?
Important to whom?

Some tasks are vital
For our health and survival.
Others just are not.

How can we be sure
What we’re doing is important
In the scheme of things?

Who’s our Director?
Who are we listening to?
The devil says, “Me!

I will tell you what
I want you to do today.”
Just ignore him, please!

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

He may come disguised
As a cute, simple request –
But he’s full of tricks!

He loves to entice
Us away from important
Things he says are “Waste.”

Waste time on others –
Waste time listening to God –
Waste time in deep prayer.

Waste time every day
Reading your devotionals –
Also your Bible.

That’s where direction
Becomes crystal clear to you.
Go ahead, waste time!

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern
what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

What is the Lord telling you to do today?

So, waste it wisely!!
This is posted in honor of my sister-in-law, Bonnie.
Today marks the 1st year anniversary
of Stan, her husband’s death.
Rest in peace, Stan!
God bless you, Bonnie.
Sending love your way.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Only in Snowy Places?

Today’s blog is inspired by a conversation I had this morning with Ruthie, my son’s mother-in-law.

Photo by Matu Bil on Pexels.com

Up pops the crocus leaves
Tiny sprouts of green
Signaling winter’s end –
A very welcomed scene.

Only in snowy places
Do crocus flowers grow.
What makes that a fact?
I’d really like to know.

So I checked it out
With a quick click or two
And learned about this flower.
Does its beauty attract you, too?

In her article about gardening, Marie Iannotti wrote the following about crocuses: “Growing from bulb-like structures called corms, crocuses are low-growing perennial plants from the iris (Iridaceae) family. In many regions, crocus flowers (Crocus spp.) mark the arrival of spring. These early bloomers can often be seen peeking up through the snow well before any other flowers appear on the landscape. They grow in a range of conditions, including woodlands, coastal gardens, and suburban lawns. Bloom colors on the tube-shaped flowers include mauve, lavender, and yellow. …”

The crocus in our yard are this gorgeous color of lavender. I wasn’t aware that they also come in mauve and yellow, are you?

My daughter-in-law’s mom, Ruthie, grew up in Switzerland and has lived her adult life in southern California. Speaking with her this morning, telling her about the crocus that are popping up in our yard, she said, “I haven’t seen a crocus since I was a child in Switzerland. They only grow where there’s snow.”

That got me thinking and wondering … and as you read above, they actually grow in a range of conditions. I intend to send her a few “corms” as an Easter gift next week – and I will be very curious to see if they will grow in her yard. She lives not too far from Los Angeles … certainly a place where snow is not expected! But, Marie Iannotti included “suburban lawns” as a place they grow, so we’ll see.

Not quite the same as her Swiss mountainside, huh?

What are some things
that you might expect to see
only in snowy places?

Let’s find a few images
that come to mind:

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com
Snowdrops

I love snowdrops. We don’t have any of these in our yard. Gotta remedy that!!

I did a little research on these flowers too, and learned this from Longfield Gardens’ site: “Like other spring-blooming bulbs, snowdrops use their foliage to generate energy for next year’s flowers. Resist the temptation to cut back the leaves or mow them down while they are still green. Within a couple weeks, the foliage will yellow and melt away on its own.

When snowdrops are growing in a location that suits them, the bulbs will multiply and can eventually carpet a large area. The bulbs don’t mind being crowded and rarely need dividing. If you want to move some bulbs to a new area or share them with friends, dig and divide them in early spring, right after flowering and before the foliage begins to yellow. Handle them carefully so the foliage stays attached to the bulbs, and get them back into the ground as quickly as possible.

You may find it takes a couple years to establish large clumps of snowdrops, but once the bulbs have naturalized, you will have flowers every spring for generations to come.”

What springtime flower inspires you?

I hope your home is blessed with a colorful,
sweet smelling, beautiful gift of flowers today.

If I could send you a few “corms”
as an Easter gift, I would!

Bee well!
I send you my love and hugs this day.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.


See ya tomorrow (God willing).

Amazing Grace

Procrastination may be a weakness,
But just think of all the joys we experience
While we are doing what we enjoy
And avoiding what we don’t!

As a student who worked in music therapy
And a teacher who worked with the handicapped,
This version of Amazing Grace was such a gift!
I enjoyed it while I avoided the after dinner dishes tonight!

Take a break and click on that arrow up there.
Procrastination is sometimes such an amazing grace.
Don’t you agree? God bless these precious singers
And their dedicated, loving parents and teachers!

I hope this blessed you tonight.
(Thank you, Lavonne, for sharing it.)

Do you have a favorite diversion
that you encountered today while procrastinating?
Why not share it here?


Hugs,
JanBeek

Procrastination

Procrastination –
Is it an issue with you?
I have mastered it!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

I’ll get to it next.
That”s just what I tell myself.
But, when does next come?

I often delay
Doing what needs to be done –
With good excuses.

Is that familiar?
And I’m not the only one.
Bob knows that routine!

“Just put a towel out –
It will soak up the water.
I am going skiing.”

That’s two years ago.
A sump pump is what’s needed.
Will a snow fence work?

This is it last week –
After putting up snow fence –
Before last snow fall.

Please get me a towel
To soak up the melting snow
Before it warms up!

Procrastination
Lives in my part of the world
Inside – not just out!

No, not my office –
But it certainly could be.
Mine’s almost as bad!

Do you have places
That you are sure to avoid?
Rather do your blog?

You are not alone.
It’s an immortal problem.
Procrastination!!

The Bible addressed the issue:

“Be strong and courageous,
and do the work.
Do not be afraid
or discouraged,
for the Lord God…
is with you.”

1 Chronicles 28:20

Pray for God to help
You and me do what we must
That we’re avoiding.

Get it off your chest.
Step up – Act wholeheartedly –
Just tackle the mess!

I promise I will –
After finishing coffee.
Hah! Ignore the mess…

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
Now, go get busy!!
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

P.S. By the way, did you realize as you were reading this that every three line stanza is a kind of Haiku with a syllabic pattern of 5-7-5? If you didn’t that’s OK. It means I didn’t force it. That was fun!

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