Hope your day was beautiful and you had (have) that kind of helpful mother (I did!)And I am blessed with this very loving helpful son and…… these two very sweet, helpful, loving daughters.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God”
Have a lovely day filled with peace and the wisdom that comes from heaven.
We live in a beautiful place with a beautiful view and wonderful neighbors.
Our property has about 4 acres and in the center of those is where our house sits surrounded by 13 evergreen trees.
The lawn and trees require a lot of care to keep the trees healthy year round and the sprinkler system working in the spring, summer and fall.
This is the time of year when turning the sprinklers back on and repairing broken ones and adjusting the direction of the water’s flow has to happen.
We couldn’t possibly do all this by ourselves.
Thank God for the helpful guys in our “hood” who volunteer their services annually because without their help, I’m sure we would find it very difficult to live here!
Today’s sermon focused on the Good Shepherd. Here are my notes from interim pastor Brian Conklin’s message today.
Psalm 23 is one of the Bible’s Most memorized and loved scriptures. It is powerful, impactful, comforting. The care and protection are heartwarming.
The word shepherd means to be a friend – Be a faithful companion who cares. God is our friend, our closest companion. He is faithful; his presence surrounds me.
God guides me along the right paths. Solitude and quiet are part of my DNA. I reflect, marvel, and hear God’s voice. Solitude is not a sad time for me.
Life is tough; we encounter dark valleys, But as a person of faith, I’m comforted. I feel God’s presence and everlasting peace. My cup overflows… abundance is mine.
In a world of scarcity, I am blessed. God provides a voice to be trusted. His voice encourages me to follow Him to still waters. His still, small voice leads me to light, love and hope.
He is with me.
Hallelujah!
Amen?
Love, JanBeek (with my friend Stephanie at fellowship after church today)
By the way, we discovered today that Stephanie has a look-alike in Switzerland! My daughter, DeAna, sent me this photo of her choir girlfriends who were out enjoying social time together. It’s not hard to find Stephanie’s look-alike! I think they could be long-lost twins!!
Our daughter, DeDe, is the third from the right. Looks like they’re having fun, doesn’t it?
Gorgeous! But after my last post of April flowers, this is surprising, isn’t it?
It’s Ennis, Montana… and yes, friends, it can snow here on July 4th! So, this April snow should not be a surprise. In fact, after a relatively dry January through March, we are grateful for the moisture in April! It snowed all last night… and then more today. With no wind to blow it off the branches, ain’t it gorgeous?
I am up in my sanctuary, looking out at the magnificent snow covered trees and thanking God for them.
Smile, God loves you. And so do I!
I’m praying for you, For our world, and For peace, please.
{{{Donna}}} posted this on her blog 6 years ago at https://thefathersfeet.wordpress.com/ She quoted Matthew … and I decided to repost this today to follow up on my post from yesterday where I explored the subject of seeking happiness. What are you seeking? {{{Donna}}} chose this:
Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. … Each day has enough trouble of its own… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live … So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. … “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”
I asked Donna, “Do you know that song?” She replied, “I do!” and then she sent me the song she was singing.
Here’s the one I was singing:
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…”
Here I am up in my sanctuary… early morning squished head!!
What is it you seek? Is it the Kingdom of God? Let’s pursue God first.
What are “all these things”? The scripture was referring to food and clothing… the basics… and reminding us how God takes care of the birds and the lilies of the field.
When I pursue the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, I am seeking His wisdom. I am seeking the peace that only He can give. I am seeking understanding and the deep compassion that God’s Son taught us. I am seeking to exemplify His love ❤️ and the joy that comes with Trust in His Promises. 🙏🏽 I seek His righteousness so that I may exhibit greater patience, kindness, gentleness, and goodness.
Seek Ye first the kingdom of God … and all these things will be given unto you.
Jesus prays with me each day!
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Pray for discernment I love the Lord’s perfect will Freckles and lashes!!
SnapChat can do wonders!
Hah!!
Do not let the world Trick you into seeking pride – It’s a dead-end street.
Do not let the world Trick you into seeking wealth – Not in hoarded coins.
Do not let the world Tell you what to dream about – Look in God’s Word.
Let the Son set you free. You shall know the Truth And the Truth shall set you free. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him.
I pray for you, my friend… For your health, happiness, safety, And for God to guide you in His Way.
First February Festivity: the 11th for our 64th anniversary- A reason to celebrate and share a fabulous memory. The year was 1961 and Bob was stationed in Germany I was teaching a 1st grade in CA; he was in the US Army.
I married that handsome fellow when he flew home. I left my darling first grade class in Stockton, CA to go roam. Left my apartment, my language, Suzie, my roommate, My family and friends… all that was familiar. Not great!
The wedding was spectacular and the reception would make Family and friends smile & cheer us on and marvel at our cake. At our 50th anniversary we asked a bakery to duplicate it for us. One after another they said “Impossible” in an incredulous chorus.
I landed a job on the army base school in Germany, a first grade class, And finished out the year joyfully, learning a new culture. It was a blast! Back in California, I continued to teach the little ones in Turlock And then in San Francisco & Hillsborough… while Bob graduated from SF State.
We started our family during those SF years… a boy, Ty, and girl, De. They were a delight to us then … and still are a blessing each day to me! Here’s a picture of Bob & me with Ty when he was a sweet little babe… And one of DeAna with me in matching dresses I made!
As the years have gone by and our children have grown We moved from the Bay Area back to the place we had known As children and young adults; Bob joined the family with bees While I continued to teach and moved to principal and District Office with ease.
Our 50th anniversary was a time to gather five decades of friends & family For a weekend in Palm Desert where we golfed, ate, and reunited happily. The memories of that grand occasion are alive and well in our hearts, And we continue each February to connect with friends from our life’s parts.
When we retired, we continued to celebrate our February dates with flare! But we’re doing it in Montana. Twenty years ago we moved ourselves there. We love living in Big Sky Country, Ennis Montana, where the antelope roam. We celebrate life every day and invite you to come share the joy in our home.
February 11th is a day each year to celebrate the joy of being together. Valentine’s Day we celebrate at a Wine Pairings dinner – regardless of the weather. It’s at Madison Valley Ranches, a beautiful setting for sure, with great food and friends. Come join us if you wish… spaces are available … right out here where the river bends.
Time to celebrate! This February Festivity is my favorite one. Having you here to join us would make it extra fun. Call Manu at 406-660-2959 for your Valentine’s Day reservation. It’ll make us so happy to see you! Come share in our celebration!
