And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”
Hah! Time passes – taglines change – mine used to be “Rabble-rousing Hummingbird!”
But now, my tagline might more appropriately be “Chirpy!”
I’m sitting in my rocker, up in my sanctuary, listening to peaceful gospel music, singing along, and inviting my guardian Angel to slow me down, help me watch where I’m going, and guide my steps carefully.
No more rabble rousing!
Just sit on my perch and chirp!
What’s your tagline?
Has yours changed for you through the years, too?
This week my nephew, Liam, and his mom (my niece) and dad from PA and good friend from UT are visiting us.
Yesterday after church, Liam tried his hand at chirping on the saw! He is an adventuresome 16-year-old. I’d give him the tagline of “Soarer!”
He’s interested in learning – Interested in trying everything. He is learning to fly; he’s going to flight school as a high school junior. An amazing kid! He soars!
Oh my!
Sure hope my chirps are a bit more pleasant! Takes a lot of practice to make music that’s pleasing while fiddling on a saw!
But if you have an adventuresome spirit, you are ready to try something new – and if it doesn’t work out perfectly on the first try, you explore … and keep trying. Eventually you can soar, too!
What does my tagline say about my true identity?
Am I a chirping bird? If so, what song do I sing? Does it glorify my maker?
You are blessed to be a blessing. You have been given many gifts. They are meant to be shared; Pass them out – give others lifts!
Share Gifts
Whether its an ice cream That you share with your best friend Or an outing planned to surprise Your spouse, let your love extend.
Last night we shared a dinner At a restaurant – mighty fine – I had my favorite rack of lamb In a place so fine to dine.
Bob had his favorite seafood In a curry sauce with cream. We shared the blessing of the meal In this gorgeous spot… a dream!
It’s an Asian fusion restaurant In the heart of Bozeman city. The waitress, Marisa, did a great job – Shared her talent – Ain’t she pretty?
If you have the special blessing Of being able to go out for a meal With your favorite dining partner, Do it! I know just how you’ll feel…
Oh, and if that fabulous chef Tucks a surprise inside your dish, Be sure a let him/her know how much You appreciate it… and how it was delish!
My rack of lamb with broccolini Had a flower tucked inside. Oh, what fun it was to find and taste it … Some blessings like to hide!
If you’re ever in the city of Bozeman, Look up “Sweet Chili Asian Bistro.” It’s a delight – a real blessing – a treat! And, take your sweetheart when you go…
We came home to a Montana sunset That was a treat indeed for our eyes. My friend in North Carolina sent her sunset – Sadly Canadian fires created her smokey skies.
But the blessing in her mind was It could be a whole lot worse. My daughter in the Baltimore area showed The smoke there is a real curse.
Meanwhile, returning to our home A rainbow greeted us as we drew near – God’s promise wrapped in the scene – A reason always to give a cheer!!
We’re blessed with Rocky Mountain grandeur And our intent is share it with you. As the day draws to a close here, Here’s a scene for you to review:
Taken from our back patio You can see the highlighted shelf. As the sun sets to the west behind us, We thank God for nature’s wealth.
Bob mowed the lawn before the rain Came and watered the grass so green. Yes, we are blessed to be a blessing – – – Come visit us and see what I mean!
Love, JanBeek
What blessing are you blessed to share with others today?
Oh, the beauty of the earth Is astounding day by day Don’t take it for granted Ot it may fade away!
The Tetons – and the oh so beautiful river
Montana wildflower hike
The Hardwick’s Montana sunset
(Psalm 98:7-9) “Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.”
Have a gorgeous day wherever you are Enjoy this beautiful earth The sea, the mountains, the sun and stars… And praise our God Who made them all.
Teacher – 24 years – loved every minute! 1961, Stockton, CA – 1st grade 1962, Germany, Wurzburg Army Base – 1st grade 1963-64, Turlock, Cunningham School – kindergarten 1964-67, Daly City, CA – K, 4th, 7th-8th 1968- 79, Hillsborough, CA – 7th/8th, K, 4th, K-6 summer school 1979-81, Hughson, CA – 1st grade & GATE classes 1982- 99, Ceres, CA – 4th grade, principal (K-8), then…
This is Lorei with me. She was my first grade student in 1961 when I first started teaching in Stockton before Bob & I were married.
Like so many of the students who came after her, my life is richer because she has stayed connected all these years.
Teaching is not just a job. It is a life choice, a passion, a joy!
Some of these dear kindergarteners are my Facebook friends today. Reach out Ortners, Leslie, Pamela Pon (where are you?), Sean, Kurt, Karen… You’re all in my heart!
… then, yes, after years in the classroom, I spent 9 years as a Principal – – – had wonderful colleagues —
The Ceres Unified School District was a delightful place to work. I have so many fond memories!
This was a great staff!!
I was invited to try my hand at working as a mentor to new principals and as the coordinator for various programs such as art, new teacher training, federal and state programs, etc. So, I went to the district office as a curriculum coordinator. It was too far away from the children! I returned to my first love: the classroom.
I had these little second graders I picture below here for two years (as 1st & 2nd graders)… it was a wonderful way to end a delightful career.
Recognition for a job well done came in many forms, but the best is knowing I made a difference in the lives of a few children and maybe helped some of my colleagues along the way, too.
I enjoyed my life as an educator immensely. I retired in 1999, but didn’t stop working. I supervised student teachers for a few years at Stanislaus State College before volunteering for a couple of years to teach illiterate adults how to read. Loved doing that! So rewarding!!
But the most important of my “jobs” in my lifetime was:
… wife, mom, homemaker, sister, friend … Never underestimate the impact & importance of those jobs! Take them seriously. Some people say that there – -on the home front- there lies the most important job of all!!
That photo is the whole Beekman clan at Bob’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. I love this photo … our daughter, DeAna, and her “Swisster” Sylviane, and our son, Ty, are on the right of this picture next to us. So, this had to have been around 1984…
And now, volunteering is part of my life … and those jobs I choose, like the Senior Center or the Food Bank, the Manor (our local nursing home) or church fellowship hour, those “jobs” are what continue to give me a sense of purpose.
27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
