The best gift of all Jesus gave to us one day With His sacrifice
It’s eternal life Promised by His life and death Free for those who thirst
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24
2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Gifts come wrapped with bows Must be untied and unwrapped You’re the receiver
Even God’s own Son Won’t come and break in your door You must open it
Revelation 3:20
American Standard Version Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Accept your best gift Untie the bow; Open door Accept faith with joy
Return the favor By the joy you radiate Your gift back to Him!
One of the devotionals I read every day is from “The Upper Room,” a book of daily devotionals printed every other month, and a gift many churches provide for their members and guests. In today’s message, the topic was “Words of Love.”
I can think of no better way to “Take & Spread Joy” than to speak and read and hear WORDS OF LOVE. How about you?
“Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
Proverbs 16:24
In the Upper Room, the thought for today is: “With God’s help, I will speak words that build others up.”
The Upper Room devotional reminded me that “Words carry weight. How we use them deeply impacts the people around us.”
But, I am aware that my words also deeply impact me! I can speak words of love to myself… or I can speak disparaging words that discourage me!
The devotional ended with this prayer: “Loving God, we pray that You will empower us to speak love and life to those around us. Give us compassionate and encouraging words.”
My word for 2024, some of you may recall, is the acronym SIFT. The T stands for “Take time to think” (and pray) before I speak or act. I carry that “T” thought with me every day. And I hope you, too, will be inspired to use compassionate and encouraging words directed at yourself as well as others.
Your caring and thoughtful words will lift your spirits as they lift the hearts of all you meet.
Happy Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, my friends! Today’s writing prompt from JetPack asked for a suggested title for a biography should there be one written about me.
Daily writing prompt
If there was a biography about you, what would the title be?
One of my devotionals this morning was about “A Closed Door.” It used this scripture as a prompt for the commentary:
Matthew 6:6 “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees you in secret will reward you.”
There may be a need for some people to pray behind a closed door, but my favorite prayer room is up my circle staircase in our entryway to my cozy 12’x12′ “Sanctuary” where I am never alone. The Holy Spirit is alive and well up there… and the front door in that entryway always is open for you to come and join me. My life is An Open Door – an open book! If you’ve followed my blog for awhile, you know I am quite a transparent person. I have nothing to hide! And my Father is not “in secret.” He has an open door for you, too! Go – and sit with His heart – and Let Him into yours!! Open up your heart and let the Son shine in!!
If you have time, and if you can, click on this delightful children’s song below It will make you smile. It’s guaranteed to make you want to sing along, and open up your heart… the door to heart can remain open without fear if the Son shines there!
“An Open Door – a biography about Jan Beekman“ Waiting to “bee” written – someday – hah!
Meantime, let me share openly with you about this little light of mine that I always try to shine.
1 Corinthians 15:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
Today is Ash Wednesday when we begin a 40 day period of waiting with love for Easter (Lent). It is a time to reflect on the great gift of eternal life that Jesus made possible through His life and death and resurrection. May we celebrate Lent with the same fervor that we acknowledge February 14th each year as Valentine’s Day!
My dear friends, Lee & Loleta, know how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. And Bob & I celebrated Valentine’s Day early in 1962 by using that red & white, hearts & flowers theme for our wedding.
Here we are 62 years later:
Yup, still celebrating our love… with an open door to our hearts and our home.
Today we’ll get a cross of ashes on our foreheads that will symbolize our devotion to the One who brought us together and whose mercy and grace has kept us together all these years.
Yes, He prays with us He stays with us His heart is an open door Mine is, too. Is yours?
My word for 2024 is SIFT. It is an acronym for: S = Simplify I = Inventory & Itemize (to facilitate simplifying) F = Focus on the present T = Take Time to Think (before speaking or acting)
Yes, health is about what you’re eating, thinking, and saying, but it also is about what you are doing. So, my friends, let’s SIFT! Let’s simplify our lives by eliminating the “stuff” we don’t need and organizing the things we decide to keep. Let’s focus on the present and take time not just to think before speaking or acting, but also TAKE TIME TO PRAY as we sift through each day’s possibilities.
Today was what some call “Fat Tuesday.” The day before Lent, a season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter. It culminates at Easter when Jesus gave up His life for us all. So, some folks “give up” something as a remembrance of and in honor of Christ’s ultimate giving. “Fat Tuesday” is a silly idea… to overindulge in that thing the day before you give it up for forty days!
Overindulgence is not a Biblical concept! I hope you didn’t buy in to it!! It is diametrically opposed to the idea of Lent … a time of fasting and praying leading up to Easter.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
So, join me, my friends, during this special season. Let’s simplify. Let’s take inventory and prioritize. Let’s focus on the now, and let’s take time to think and to pray before we speak or act. Let’s decide what we want to “give up” for 40 days to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. Let’s give this Lenten season the time and attention Christ deserves.
I was reminded today that I promised to explain the meaning of each letter in SIFT, my word for 2024. I posted an explanation of the “S” meaning to simplify, but then my life got complicated!
I neglected WordPress for a week or so and then wrote about my desire to eliminate negativity in my world. I used Bob Goff as a perfect example of someone who exudes POSITIVITY! Thank you, dear friends, for the positive comments you left on that post!
Now, on to that “I” in SIFT. To simplify my life, I need to Inventory and Identify what is Important and what is not.
So, as I attempt to simplify my life, I question the need for all this stuff!! Finding honest answers to all that questioning takes wisdom! That’s my word for today!!
… and I need to add to that, “If it’s yours and you don’t need it, GET RID OF IT!”
When you experience a challenge (like trying to simplify your life) and you’re not sure what to do, stop what you are doing and ask God for guidance, seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and then WAIT to hear the answer.
It’s easy to get distracted (like I did on this SIFT acronym), but the task of simplifying requires that “I” message: Itemize and inventory, determine what’s important, in an effort to prioritize and ultimately simplify.
It’s a work in progress. Are you trying to simplify your life? How are you doing?
God bless you – and me – and, please Lord, give us wisdom!
Happy February, my friends! I hope your 2024 has begun well. If you follow my blog, you know Bob & I had a wonderful beginning for the new year as we traveled and visited family & friends in CA.
Now we are home and settling in – – with Christmas decor finally put away and the house clean and semi-organized again. It’s time now to take away that “semi-” & get serious! I am sharing a Word for 2024 with my blogging friend, Sue Newell at Sue’s LIFE Journal – Sharing LIFE Our word is SIFT.
No, our “Sift” is not intended to be a sifter. Ours is an acronym with each letter representing something we intend to focus on this 2024 year. Let me tell you about that first letter – S – for Simplify!
My office is not quite that bad… but it’s cluttered. My closets are overloaded with clothes I should give away. My storage room downstairs is full of things I really don’t need. My filing system lacks the kind of organization that it should have. So, this is the year to take care of those problems. Organize – and simplify!
In today’s entry for Turning Point, Dr. David Jeremiah inspired me to begin with prayer and purpose. He quoted an important verse from scripture:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. 2 Peter 1:3, NIV
He put that concept of “NEED” into a Godly perspective as he reminded me of a Maslow concept. Dr. Jeremiah wrote:
“In 1943, Abraham Maslow, the son of Jewish immigrants to America, published his famous diagram illustrating the hierarchy of human needs. It was a triangle that explained our physical needs, our need for safety and love, and our need for esteem and for self-actualization.”
Then Dr. Jeremiah inserted a principle you and I believe. He said, “But Maslow was a humanist who neglected to mention our spiritual needs as described in the Bible.”
The patriarch Jacob said, “God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” (Genesis 33:11, NIV).
As I apply that word, “Simplify” to my 2024 days, I will keep a clear definition of NEED in mind! And I will remember I have MORE than I need!
Has God inspired you to SIMPLIFY your life in 2024?
If you could make your family and friends understand one thing, what would it be?
The prompt asked about making a pet understand. Well, we don’t have a pet right now. So, I substituted “family and friends.”
I want you all to know, “It’s never too late.”
“Too late for what?” you ask.
Well, you fill in the blank!
As a life-long Christian, I have often heard the pastor say, “Remember your baptism” on various occasions. I can’t. Or I should say, “I couldn’t!”
Not until yesterday!
My mom & sister often told me,”Yes,” when I asked, “Was I baptized?” But there are no pictures. (Mom was an avid picture taker all the time!) And there is no certificate or other written record. I find that strange.
I tried to contact the little white Methodist/Presbyterian church in California’s Central Valley where it supposedly happened, but it burned to the ground years ago … and all records with it.
So, I decided to”It’s never too late. I want to have a baptism I can remember!” At 84, you think you wanna be dunked? You bet … by my son (who recently was ordained as a minister at his church here in CA, where we are visiting this week before we head home from our month’s reprieve from Montana’s ccccold Arctic blast).
Did it take courage and commitment? Was it a hard decision? You bet! But was it important for my spiritual health!? Definitely. I wanted to be able to “remember my baptism” – feel the obedience to the Christian command, “Go, and be baptized!”
It’s never too late!
Do you remember your baptism?
It’s never too late!
Love, JanBeek
My son, Ty, with me and 2 of my great-grandchildren- See my wet head? Yup, I remember being dunked!!
Yesterday’s prompt was: What skills or lessons have you learned recently?
My answer: “It took four accidents in a three month period, but I finally got the message, I think:
SLOW DOWN
AND
LOOK
WHERE YOU’re WALKING!!”
It’ll take a lot of divine guidance, but I think I can slow down and watch! Avoid any further falls!!
How about you? What lesson have you learned recently?
Today the sermon topic was based on the Bible story of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s awe-inspiring birth of baby John (later known as John the Baptist). Zechariah learned not to doubt God’s messenger who told him that he & Elizabeth would at last have a child (they were in their later years of life… maybe as old as their 90’s).
When Zechariah doubted, he was struck dumb… unable to speak for the 9 months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. But, even though Elizabeth questioned, she accepted and believed. So, she learned that great lesson, “With God all things are possible.”
Do you suppose she was awe-struck? How could she NOT be??
I would have painted them with gray hair… but nevertheless, I love this painting of Zechariah & Elizabeth. I can only imagine how awe-struck they must have been!
What causes you to be in awe these days? Have you learned to slow down and let awe envelop you?
(If you’ve followed JanBeek for awhile, you know I love taking notes in poetry as I listen to the sermon each week). So, on that awesome topic, here’s today’s encouraging sermon delivered by Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds at our Madison Valley Presbyterian Church.
I love the size & sound & the creatures in the ocean I love climbing over the sand dunes to the beach It is sitting on the grassy knoll by the shore Knowing the salty water and waves are within reach
I love oogling at sunsets and standing in the river The world gives me reason for wonder and awe Everywhere I look, I see evidence of God’s wondrous creation Regular bouts of awe are mine – they drop my jaw!
Elizabeth’s healthy baby boy brought awe To all who saw Zechariah write and confirm “John” Entering into the world of awe raises us up Out of night’s darkness, into day’s dawn
Awe can be found every day from sunrise on If we slow down and take time to really see So don’t drown in the tedious mundane of life Intentionally seek the awe – here for you and me
Let no day go by unmarveled at Appreciate the luxury of every single day We are so blessed to be here - alive Let awe and amazement be yours today
Be the #1 Marvelor today! Love and be loved – feel the pull That helps you notice all in awe Change awful to awe-full!!
Awe-men?
It may have been awful to be unable to speak for nine months. But, I’ll bet Zechariah learned new lessons every day as he watched Elizabeth grow large with child …. and as he marvelled at how amazing this turn of unbelievable events was!
Find something to marvel at today! Learn something new.
In a world filled with war and hate I can shine a light of love from me In a world filled with animosity and division I can shine a light of unity
In a world filled with hopelessness and despair I can lift the light of hopefulness In a world filled with fear and worry I can shine a light of faithfulness
I can be a light in the darkness Because the love of Christ shines through The grim shadows of despair And that light also is in you
As a wonderful God-created child You are part of a magnificent whole So let that Spirit buried in you Shine forth from your blessed soul
Your light shines from your creator Just as mine sparkles brightly, too So fill this world with the light of love Let’s let Love’s Light shine from me and you!
You have access to all the power you need You just gotta be sure to plug in Connect to the source of your power It’s available to you even if you’re shut in
Like a mighty wave or hurricane Power can evoke awe or cause destruction What’s the source of your power? There’s a ready source… what’s your deduction?
I bet you know where I’m going With this line of reasoning. Yup, the power I have in mind Is filled with the best spiritual seasoning!
In yesterday’s Mornings With Jesus devotional comments by Karen Sargent, she shared an experience she had with power cords. She was preparing for a presentation using various technology. Thinking she might need an extension cord, she added it to her equipment. However, after setting everything up, she realized she didn’t have the part she needed. Sargent wrote,
“… There was a problem. In one hand I held a three-prong plug on my laptop cord. In the other, a two-prong plugin. I checked the projector cord. Three prongs. Without the ability to tap into the electrical source… my technology was useless. I couldn’t power up.”
Sargent extrapolated, “That wasn’t the first time I’d failed to tap into a power source. Sometimes I function on two-prong faith. I know Jesus can do anything… And through Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things (Philippians 4:13). But how often do I connect to the power of the Holy Spirit, the mighty third prong?”
Karen Sargent’s message spoke to me. Yesterday friends helped us install Our Christmas tree here at home – Tucked in along the north-east wall.
We plugged the lights in after A lot of struggle to assemble it. Look closely at the lights there A section is missing … do I resemble it?
Do I lack a portion of my power Because I’m not plugged in totally? The message hit me with a jolt. It fit my plight anecdotally!
Karen Sargent ended her reflections with these thoughts:
“After His resurrection, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, ‘Receive ye the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22). But it wasn’t until Jesus ascended into heaven that the Holy Spirit empowered them. Unlike that useless extension cord… the ultimate power source, The Holy Spirit, is always on hand.”
