Enjoying Sunday Remembering Saturday And Fish on Friday
Sunday began with this prayer-filled good morning photo from my friend Lisa in North Carolina
After church, Sunday continues with our TazE needing attention and us trying to just relax!
Saturday memories include a wonderful evening shared with Bob and dozens of friends at the Madison Valley Ranchland’s annual “Noxious Weed Dinner and Auction.”
Check out Bonny Morningstar Guzzo on Facebook to see her wonderful pictures of that highly successful event.
Friday memories include our walk along the Madison River in Lion’s Club Park where this beautiful painted fish sculpture greets us.
The painting on the fish inspires the Haiku poet in me.
“Father, please teach me I want to learn how to fish To fish like you, Dad“
Back home, the clouds keep the day cooler as the sun plays peek-a-boo The trees provide welcomed shade And the birds serenade you
The breeze causes the wind chimes To sing a lullaby Reminding me of my sis, Sally She’d love this place as much as I
The deer come quietly to rest Beneath the shade of verdant trees They promise not to nibble But who can trust deer like these?
Time to think about a meal Don’t know what I’d like to cook Need to go check out the fridge Maybe left-overs -Have a look!
Mmmm… I can see shrimp Waiting for the coconut Time to make the sauce
Hope all is well with you. Thanks for sharing my weekend memories vicariously with me.
Now it is your turn What are your best memories Of this great weekend?
There are several meanings. One is the unmerited gift from God – referenced above.
Another is:
“disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency” …
Each of us has the capacity to act with grace.
When we respond to others with kindness, we are passing along the grace we are given.
Where do we find grace?
Grace is a gift from God
Grace is inside you
Grace is all around you
Grace multiplies when you give it
You have grace in abundance to give. When you reach out in love you are giving grace upon grace.
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
One of the definitions of grace involved the word “clemency.”
It is the willingness or ability to moderate the severity of a punishment or an act or instance of mercy, compassion, or forgiveness.
We all know that a life lived well is a life lived with compassion, a life filled with forgiveness of others as well as of ourselves.
We all need to practice clemency!
Find grace in your heart. Let forgiveness and compassion be your first response! When we are merciful, we receive mercy in return.
Today’s post was inspired by today’s devotional in Mornings with Jesus. Gwen Faulkenberry wrote a creative take on Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
She imagined a beggar approaching a palace, being turned away by the butler, but welcomed with open arms by the prince who brings the starving man to the queen. When she sees him approaching, she jumps from her throne, runs to him, and says, “Come in! Come in! How can I help you today?”
Gwen invites us in the “Faith Step” at the bottom of the page to imagine ourselves as the man and imagine the queen as God. What would you ask if you weren’t afraid?
God of grace gives us all the grace we need… and continues to gift us with the compassion, kindness, and courtesy we need in order to pass it on to others freely.
Knowing you have received grace upon grace, approaching the throne of God, what would you ask Him for?
I asked for healing of this broken finger, (it was in there under all that wrapping), renewed strength in this left hand, renewed balance so I could stop falling, and a healing of my head’s 8 stitches before we head for our daughter’s in Switzerland later this month. God is answering my prayers… in His perfect timing (as always).
What will you ask for? See ya tomorrow (God willing) Love to you, from JanBeek
Each day as I read my Daily Guideposts and reflect on what the message means to me, I create a “Take-Away.” I have a page or two on which I record them. Here are the take-aways from July. Which one or two resonates with you as a “Take-away” for the month that you can carry with you into August?
July Take-Aways
Be an investor in prople
Be grateful for daily love, joy, and peace
Celebrate the peace of Christ
Freedom isn’t free!
Treasure your friends; tell ’em so
Happy Birthday, Mary Grace Reynolds (my pastor)
Thank God for our loving children
Celebrate the birthdays of friends
Enjoy every day the Lord gives us
Share freely and generously with others
Spend quality time with our God/Creator
Take refuge in the familiar
Thank God for free will
As God for direction; then Trust the Journey
Care for the vulnerable
Celebrate milestones with friends
Keep an “I’m good” attitude
Share the humor and laughter of others
Slow down and watch where you’re walkin’
Be forever grateful for God’s miracles
Home is where angels live to guard us
His grace is sufficient
Praise God, friends & family for love
Love your spouse, church family & kids extravagantly
Love and appreciate the color in your life
Git Movin’
Praise God for His love, mercy, and guardian angels
Be sure to exercise daily
Thank God for giving you momentum
Thank Jesus for His companionship
I read both Mornings with Jesus and Daily Guideposts each morning up in my sanctuary. Been doing it for over a decade now.
They help me plan my day and start off on the right foot.
With the “Take-Away” tucked in my heart, I head down the circle staircase with this 12 step prayer spoken to God on my way:
Dear God, Thank you for the 1. love, 2. joy, and 3. peace (that are mine) – Help me with: 4. patience, 5. kindness, 6. goodness, and 7. faithfulness (which brings blessings). Help me with 8. gentleness, and 9. self-control. 10. Help me live humbly with an attitude of gratitude, and a response of 11. generosity, forgiveness, 12. obedience and integrity. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
And at that point, I am at the bottom… ready to start my day.
Here are half of the June Take-Aways
Which of the Take-Aways from June or July will you carry into August with you?
Have an Awesome month! See ya tomorrow (God willing) Love, JanBeek
Hello, dear blogging friends. It’s been a busy weekend for me. Saturday was our Ennis Arts Association Festival.
How’s the weekend been for you? What were your weekend highlights?
Saturday was a beautiful day In Ennis, Montana for our 26th annual Ennis Arts Association Madison Valley Art Festival
The Madison Valley Art Festival is an outdoor event (held rain or shine) on the historic trail between Yellowstone National Park and Virginia City, a path well-traveled by tourists visiting the state’s national parks and historic landmarks, and fly fishing on the Madison River.
Our Presbyterian Women hold their annual fundraiser at the festival. They sell baked and canned goods donated by the MV Presbyterian Church members. There were three tables full of goodies, but by 2:00 pm, this is all that was left! We enjoyed the left-overs at fellowship after church today!
The Li’l Hog Pit had a wonderful menu and they served the record crowd with efficiency and delicious food. We’re grateful to Benny and her hubby for their expertise and availability.
Bob enjoyed his lunch with our friends, Bonny & Joel.
From 10: am to 5:00 pm, the Tune Tanglers provided music for the art enthusiasts. We’re grateful for their shared talent! They spread the gospel message with their musical choices as well as good ole western songs.
Artists such as talented painter, Kathleen Van Driessche, come from far and near. We had 61 artists in 54 booths this year. Something for everyone!
I walked around and admired all the paintings, pottery, photography displays, jewelry, woodworking, metal sculptures, etc.
If I wasn’t saving my money for or upcoming Swiss trip, I might have convinced Bob to get this wooden vase (with a glass insert) for me. I love it!
But the price tag said, “Not this year, Jan!”
As the afternoon wore on, the shade was especially appreciated. We had an unusually calm day (without our typical Madison Valley wind) and the temperatures reached into the 90s.
We were happy to return home to our home where we had opened it up to the cool (50 degree) night air and closed it up during the day. Ah, God is good! Life is good! Praise Him for our artists, musicians, Ennis Art Association workers who set up and took down, and all the people who came out to support the event.
Maybe next year you can plan to come join us for the last weekend in July. Ya think?
Have you had more than a few candles put on your birthday cake? Ever had trouble blowing them out? My friends, Kathy & Ron, served a cake at fellowship after church today. They didn’t put all 83 candles on it, thank God… don’t wanna burn the church down! But, they put on a LOT – – – and I could not believe how long it took me to blow out those sparkling candles!!!!
This is just a very brief clip of the process… It’s OK to laugh with me as you watch it!
As you can see, there were only a few left to extinguish at this point… I had been at it for awhile…
Kathy & Ron are on my right. Am I praying I can do this? I don’t know…
This was about try #5 to get them all blown out. My friend, Alex, is there encouraging me!
Yes, things take longer as time goes by… And yet time seems to go by faster as the years progress. How do you figure that?
It was a happy birthday. I celebrated in Bozeman yesterday with Bob. He got me a new travel purse for our upcoming trip to Switzerland. We had a lovely dinner at The Mint in Belgrade.
Today I enjoyed exchanging messages with over a hundred of my friends from far and near on FaceBook. Also, had a wonderful FaceTime exchange with daughters, DeAna & Laina. It’s days like this when most friends and all of our family are far away that I especially enjoy the internet.
Couldn’t sit down face-to-face with DeDe and enjoy a cup o’ java – but we could talk and see one another.
And Laina could share her java with me virtually!
Our son, Ty, and his wife Monika, were not able to be here with us this year, but they FaceTimed this evening… so my heart is full. It took longer for them to reach out this year because Ty was on a Mission trip to Mexico. But I received a card from them… and this evening’s call was the frosting on the cake!
Yes, it takes longer between visits to see our family and friends these days, but thanks to the internet, we can FT and text, message and e-mail. In those cases, communication takes shorter – not longer!
Yes, I tilted toward the computer and my cell phone today!
Where do you tilt these days? And what things do you find take longer? I’m not alone in this, I bet!
Thanks for visiting! Have a great Sunday night – and a wonderful week.
Bob is an angel who is here for me. It took a few minutes of screaming his name To wake him from his nap, but I could see him there … And when he heard me, how quickly he came!
Yes, my friends, angels are among us. We need to open our hearts and our eyes To see and to feel them around us. Mine’s trying to teach me to be more wise!
In Hebrews 13:2, Paul said, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” That verse leads us to wonder if angels appear to us in human form at times. We know that they appeared to many in human form in the Bible. [See Genesis 18:2].
You may be blessed to have an angel living with you all the time, too!
Thank you, Sweet Bob – For being my constant angel!
At a memorial service last weekend, 175 friends and family gathered From all over the USA to honor My friend, Phyllis Wasick.
Phyllis died over two years ago In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Folks couldn’t celebrate her long life (88) At that time; travel & gatherings shut down.
So now, as travel and gatherings resume, We were able to gather together To praise and celebrate our “Best Friend.” I say that collectively intentionally!
Here is Phyllis with her daughter, Lisa This was about a year before Phyllis Went to be with her other best friends Who had gone on to eternity before her.
At the memorial celebration of life A few of her best friends were asked to speak. It was not a “open mike” – that would have been crazy! Everyone would have wanted to talk!
When asked, “Who was Phyllis’ best friend – really?” The answer was, “The one she was with!!” She made each one of us feel special. She made each of us feel important.
She lived a life of love and inclusiveness. She was a true friend to all and a servant, too. She worked at the Food Bank, the church, The library, and was a treasured Book Club member.
At the service, her great grandchildren Gathered up front, led by one of her grandsons, And they sang, “You are my Sunshine!” Yes – the world was brighter with Phyllis in it!
So, who is YOUR best friend? How would folks answer that about you? Do you make each person you are with Feel special, appreciated, and important?
It is a wonderful quality to posses. I used to tell Phyllis, “I want to be you When I grow up!” I am still growing – And improving – with the memory of
Phyllis Wasick tucked deep in my heart! Who inspires you to be everyone’s Best Friend? It certainly was a lesson Jesus taught every day of His ministry!
Click on that link to hear a piano rendition of that song with the lyrics for you… Sing along!!
Psalm 133:1
“1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
A friend encourages unity and interdependence. No divisiveness lives in a true friend.
Jesus was a friend to all ages!
A best friend cares about you A best friend is a good listener A best friend is someone you can confide in A best friend knows how to keep sharing confidential A best friend is supportive and trustworthy A best friend loves you just the way you are A best friend keeps in touch
Be a best friend to whoever you are with! Maybe I can emulate my friend Phyllis- With the help of God’s grace living in my heart And the Holy Spirit within to guide me.
You can, too!
Jesus is my best friend! And He helps me be more like Him every day… Phyllis does, too!
Thanks for visiting my blog today. See ya tomorrow (God willing). Love, JanBeek
If I had space in my WordPress photo gallery, I would show you a series of photos of this place in Ennis, Montana where we are blessed to live. BUT, to add more photos, I have to erase older photos. The program tells me I am at 100% capacity! How does Derrick Knight manage to post so many beautiful photos of his garden on https://derrickjknight.com every day without running out of space? I need to discover his secret!
Meantime, what I did was put the photos on a Facebook post – and give you the link here so you can go there to see where we are inviting you to come visit. I hope you will/can check it out!
I’ll put one here as a teaser – hoping you’ll click that FB link and go see more, OK?
Bob & Jan love company… and now that my hand is better and I can be a hostess again, I hope you will consider a trip! We are just one hour from Yellowstone – and the entrance (nearest us) to the park is open now – and the road that takes you to Old Faithful is open, too… following those terrible floods a few weeks ago. Beekman B&B is full July 2-6, but after that, July is clear on our calendar!!
Our kitchen windows with the gorgeous lilac bush
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. It’s our daughter’s 35th anniversary this weekend… DeDe, the one who lives in Switzerland. We look forward to visiting them in the end of August.
Meantime, my devotional today in “Mornings with Jesus” encouraged me to “Find a quiet place. Write down any problems that surround you. Thank Jesus for being bigger than those problems.” It is not hard to find a quiet place here… and it is easy to live gratefully for daily healing of my broken finger and hurting hand, and to thank God for the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of this place. Come see for yourself!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
Tell me what you’re doing this lovely weekend… See ya Monday (I’m taking a day off tomorrow) Hugs, Jan Beekman
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Today I woke after a good night’s sleep. Feeling a throbbing, I looked over at my hand; It was more swollen than when I went to bed. The pins holding the pinky in place were buried.
Yesterday I visited the occupational therapist. She put compression sleeves on the fingers. They are designed to reduce the swelling. Maybe it would have been worse without them.
Who knows?
It doesn’t do any good to complain, To mope around and feel sad and blue. You gotta keep on the sunny side of life – And a good way to do that is to let go!
Let go of the doubts and relinquish grumbles. Find someone who’ll hold your hand and assure you That everything is gonna be okay – be patient! Give your troubles to God and put on a smile.
Bob and I seem to trade off times for help. There I am holding his scarred up hand! Now it’s his turn to gently hold mine. We are so blessed to have one another!
I pray that you have loved ones beside you Who comfort and assist you when you need it. It’s easier to see the sunny side of life When God gives you family and friends who care.
So relinquish your troubles to those who can Be the hands and feet of God beside you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – and accept it! Let others share the sunny side of life with you.
janbeek 