Loving One Another

Archive for the ‘Giving’ Category

Was It a Miracle?


Today’s sermon by Rev. Steve Hundley was titled, “It’s a Miracle” BUT, he started his message by telling us how upset his congregation was (when he was a young boy) by a sermon debunking the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

Here are the notes I took while hearing the sermon this morning. The scripture inspiring it was Matthew 14: 13-26.

It makes me nervous
To remember this text
Because my memory goes back
Fifty-four years. What’s next?

I was eleven when I heard
This story of five-thousand men
Being fed with five loaves and
Three fish. What happened then?

The disciples passed their meager rations
Out to the multitude of folk,
And all those who packed a lunch
Were inspired to share as Jesus spoke.

The quantity of sharing was such
That twelve baskets were left behind.
Was it in fact a miracle, or
Generosity of an immense kind?

My eleven-year-old congregation
Was disturbed by “Miracle Debunked!”
It wasn’t Jesus multiplying food,
But multiplying compassion. Who woulda thunk?

Jesus’ resource of compassion wa such
That, like the Energizer Bunny, He kept
Giving and sharing and healing.
His love further demonstrated as Jesus wept.

Jesus’ compassion was apparent
When He told His disciples to give
The five-thousand something to eat –
And so doing, He showed us how to live.

Live with the generosity and love
Jesus was about. Live what He taught.
He said, “You go and feed them.”
Share what you have, as you ought.

Jesus could have multiplied the bread
And the fishes by Himself –
But He knew that mass of folks could
Overcome hunger and share their shelf.

Open the door to the shelf of your heart,
And give from your meager things.
Watch how the Lord gives you a sense of plenty-
And share your gifts as Jesus sings:

Thank YOU…
and
AMEN!

You are the disciple who gives
From your shelf to those who need.
Thank you for being the miracle
Who obeys Christ’s command: Go and Feed!

God bless You!

See ya tomorrow.
Have a beautiful Sunday evening.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, Giving, God, Gratitude, Love, Poetry, sermon notes, teaching, writing

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Bee Kind to Yourself


Bee kind to yourself –
You are a special person.
You “moose” treat yourself with love.

Bee kind to yourself –
Wrap yourself in perkiness.
Smile in the mirror.

Bee kind to yourself –
Find the most perfect head wrap.
Wrap yourself in love.

Isn’t she beautiful?
Go to 720Royal.com and treat yourself …
Be Kind to Yourself!

There’s where I found those beautiful head wrap pictures.
I may have to “Shop Now”
to find that perky, beautiful fabric.
Will you teach me to tie it that way?
Will they make me a gorgeous as those lovely ladies?

Our daughter, DeAna’s
a perfect “head wrap”
for her hubby, Andre’

Bee kind to yourself –
Hug your sweetheart every day.
Don’t let life skunk you!

God bless Ed Coyle,
Photographer extraordinaire!

Bee kind to yourself –
And share your love with others.
Reach out to loved ones.

Sharing through a plexiglass screen

With today’s virus,
Social distancing’s a must.
Don’t let it stop you!

Sharing’s essential –
And loneliness is rampant.
Kindness is two-way!

Phyllis safely visited with her kids!

Share kindness with friends.
‘Cuz what you give blesses you.
Imitate Jesus!

Kindness lifts others.
Just as Jesus lifts you up,
Imitate His love!

Be kind to yourself –
Go find a beautiful spot,
And share it today.


Julie and Lisa
Shared with each other the view
And walk in the park.

Beauty’s more lovely
When shared with one another.
Who might walk with you?

Or who might visit,
Enjoy the flowers and porch?
Reach out to someone.

Lisa shared her lake view in South Carolina

Let your love brighten
The life of those around you.
Be kind to them, too.

Share your gorgeous views
And notice how your love shines
And kindness returns.

Ed Coyle Photography

Love and prayers sending your way.
Bee well … Bee Safe … Bee Kind!

What did you do to “Bee Kind” to yourself or others today?
(Or what do you plan to do?)
Live intentionally.

See you tomorrow.
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Family, flowers, friendship, Giving, God, Haiku, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, Poetry, prayer, relationships, Serving One Another

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There Are Angels Among Us


Angels are with us
In every walk of our life
Most have hidden wings

My angel friend, Terry, sent me this Jana Stanfield video.
She said I am her angel.
Truth is: she is mine!

Can it be that we serve one another
As angels here on earth?
Can it be that you are one, too?

Look at these darling children.
Each of them is an angel here on earth.
They just keep their wings hidden!
(Except for the cymbalist… I think I see his wings peeking out!)

“Somewhere amongst them,
or betwixt them,
or gazing adoringly up at them
just like you,
here I am.”

That was a sentence I captured
on a blog yesterday, but didn’t get the author’s name.
I apologize. If you know who wrote this,
please tell me in the comments below and I’ll add it.
It is angelic writing, don’t you agree?

Sending God’s love
to you, my friends.

I have a host of angels here on earth
who bring God’s love to me on a daily basis.
I bet you do, too.
Think about them today.
Reach out and thank them today
for the joy they bring to you.

Some of my Angels

My daughter, De
Our #2 daughter Laina, and my hubby, Bob

This is Bob’s older brother, Bill, with his wife, Margie.
Bob’s family members are angels in our lives.

With them is our son, Ty, and daughter-in-love, Monika.
We are so blessed to have Tyroneee and Moni as angels among us.

Here is Terry
(the friend who sent me Jana Stanfield’s angel song)
with her husband, our friend, Jim.
Can you just see what angels they are?
We call Terry “SPARKLES!”
She sparkles with love and compassion.

When I came home from the hospital after my recent hernia surgery, Terry sent Bob to get me at the hospital with this angel blanket that’s now draped over my bedroom chair. That’s what angel friends do: they wrap you warmly in their loving arms… and send you kisses!

This collage of photos from my sister, Sally, has several angels pictured on it. My dad to start with – bottom center – what an angel! My sis and my niece, Jodie with her son, Liam and husband, Bill. They are angels in my life, too.

And if you look closely, you can see Sally with TazE… our Boston Terrier. She was going to be named “Angel.” I had that name all picked out for her – until we met her!! TazE was a Tasmanian Devil (Taz) with E for Ears to match her bouncy personality and oversized ears. No, she was not an angel at all. But she has quieted down in her old age (she’s nine now) and maybe she qualifies as an angel in my life at this time. You think?

Chris is one of my three Swiss grandsons. He lived with us for a while last year … and was such an angel in our lives. Our seven grandchildren continue to be angels. Here is my youngest granddaughter, Faith (now 24) … Of course, she’s an angel in our lives!

I hope you have a BFF – (Best Friend Forever) – a long term angel friend – someone you can count on in all circumstances – someone like my friend, Marcie:

She just called me while I was creating this blog…
just to express condolences about my cousin, Cliff.
What a thoughtful, sweet, angel friend Marcie is!!

We all have angels in our lives. People we will love until the end of time… people who exude God’s love. They are compassionate and considerate. They seem to know when we need them and they are there at the most important times. God bless the angels among us!

Each of you who comes to JanBeek
and bothers to read and comment is
An Angel of Mine!

What you mean to me, you’ll never know….
You came at just the right time into my life-
and I want to share it with you…
I appreciate you so much!

Tell me abut some of your angels!

See you tomorrow.
((( Hugs )))
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, blessings, children, Faith, Family, friendship, Giving, Gratitude, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Don’t Laugh at Me


Don’t laugh at others
Who are faced with challenges.
Seek to understand.

We are divided
In this world that’s filled with hate.
Why can’t we just love?

It’s intolerance
And a lack of compassion
That sows evil seeds.

People point fingers
At those they see as different.
Let’s see their beauty!

People point their guns
At differing opinions.
Let’s just live and learn!

Learn to see others
As God’s children; we’re the same.
Let’s make love “catching!”

I had not heard this song before Peter, Paul & Mary made it famous (I think it was back in the late 60s – early 70s). I love their version of it, but some of the words were hard to understand. Now that I have heard the song writer, Mark Willis, sing it, and I have seen the lyrics, I logged on to the Peter, Paul and Mary version and wondered why I ever had trouble understanding.

With their chosen video clips on this You.Tube, I dare you to listen and look and let it soak in and NOT cry!!

Oh, my dear blog friends,
How can we bury the hate?
Make love contagious!

Look at these dear ones –
See into their hearts and souls
Through Jesus glasses.

Look at your neighbors;
Really see the ones in need.
Then reach out in love!

Photo by Judita Tamou0161iu016bnaitu0117 on Pexels.com

My heart is hurting
For the disenfranchised ones.
What’s YOUR handicap?

I’m short…
I’m dense…
I barely matter at all…
Don’t laugh at me!

See ya tomorrow.
I’m headed to my follow-up appointment with my surgeon.
You have a safe, healthy, and meaningful day…
And see who’s out there who needs a helping hand.

Let’s just love one another!
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

children, friendship, Giving, God, Haiku, health, Heartache, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, relationships, respect, Serving One Another

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4 Ways to Keep Positive


There are many ways
To keep our spirits rising
Let’s take time for four

Take a Walk

Take your dog outside
Or invite a friend to join
Get yourself fresh air

Even through a mask
The outdoors is refreshing
Get up and go move!

My path to the Madison River
Keep your distance from others
Enjoy people watching!
Marvel at and appreciate our unity in diversity
Bring a picnic lunch and a friend – sit awhile!
Put on your walking shoes and come join me!

Visit Your Neighbors

Our neighbor Charley with “TMW”

Keep six feet apart
And join your neighbors outside
Share flowers and wine

Share love and friendship
Keep the loneliness at bay
There’s no better way

T – M -W
Is the best invitation
Charley’s “Too Much Wine!”

Janet, our wonderful neighbor
Refill time for Bob
What a view, huh?

Let Go Anxiety –
Adopt Humor & Practice Faith

There’s no better way:
Practice positivity
With the Bible and your faith

Hang around fun folks
And keep in touch by the Web
Share all God’s blessings

Don’t dwell on “Don’t Haves”
Concentrate on what you HAVE
Practice gratitude

Go ahead and laugh!

Son-in-law, Andre’
Decided – save some bucks and
Avoid the virus

He knew just the way:
He could do his own haircut
Well, the front is fine!!

Don’t worry about
Not going to the hairdresser
Just do it yourself

Have clippers, will do!!

Lisa’s South Carolina clouds

Find yourself a friend
Who will be your prayer partner
Daily trade pictures

Pray together and
Exchange positivity
Watch your spirit soar

Connect with the hearts
Of the people that you love
Share each others’ love

Andre’ and our 3 grandsons in Switzerland
Our church services have moved outside now.
The weather has permitted worship on the lawn.
It’s so good to see our friends.
Fran and I text each other daily

Let God Music Lift You


As I write this blog
Susan Boyle lifts me up
Non-stop I listen

I ask Alexa
“Repeat” and she repeats this
Until I say “Stop.”

Listen to the words
Let them sink into your soul
You can’t help but smile

Be raised by music
Let the Love of Christ lift you
You must not stay down

Let God live in you
Let the Holy Spirit speak
Be strong and be well

There are many ways
To keep our spirits rising
Take time for these four

Take a Walk
Visit Your Neighbors
Let Go Anxiety
Let God and Music Lift You

Thank you for your encouragement after my “Blue” post.

See ya tomorrow.
Have a blessed day.
Love,
JanBeek



Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, Family, friendship, Giving, God, Gratitude, Haiku, happiness, health, humor, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Blue


Photo by Sohel Patel on Pexels.com

Usually a person who sees the glass full,
not just half-full, and seldom empty,
this COVID-19 is getting to me.
A friend wrote a poem called a QUADRILL.
I decided to use its format to vent.

Quadrille –
44 words –

“Blue”

All the world seems blue
Sadly holding its breath
Some behind masks
Some behind fear
Some behind doors
All afraid to breathe
Lest virus droplets lurk
Hanging in the air
Waiting to land
And infect
Particularly blue
Are the young
Socialization matters
Sooo
Much

It’s a lonely path we’re on.

Reach out across the blue.
Connect.
We need one another.

See ya tomorrow.
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, friendship, Giving, health, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, Montana, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another, writing

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The Seed and the Sower


Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

It’s Sunday. It’s a day we set aside to worship God and listen to His Word. As I listened to Rev. Steve Hundley deliver his sermon today, I did my usual. I recorded on my bulletin what my ears took in poetically.

Photo by Hakan Tahmaz on Pexels.com

Here are my notes:

People flocked to Jesus.
He began to preach from a boat.
He had to distance from the crowd
So he drifted out a bit to float.

Distanced from the multitudes,
Jesus told the Parable of the Seed.
The Seed is the Word of God,
Spoken to the people in need.

Jesus warned that the Word
Often falls on deaf ear.
He explained that not all seeds
Grow in all who hear.

But those who allow the seed to grow,
Spend time to allow the seed to sink in,
Let it bury itself in their hearts,
Can bear fruit and juice they drink in.

The seed of the Word is like
A Smoothie blended into thought and deed.
Let the Word transform you
And grow to the Faith we all need.

But we may carry a ball & chain of doubt
That keeps us from letting go
Of the seeds that need to be planted
In Good Soil so they can grow,

Don’t hoard the Seeds of plenty
That God has blessed in you.
Sow them, grow them, harvest
And blend them to a Smoothie. Do!

Every seed carries in its bosom the future.
Trust God to make the seeds grow.
Be the sower who trusts the Maker
To find Good Soil wherever you go.

Amen

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Parable of the Sower

Matthew 13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:18“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”


The phenomenal garden of Jackie and derrickjknight

Have a Super Sunday,
Dear WordPress friends,
Bee well
Bee safe
See ya tomorrow
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, flowers, Giving, God, Jesus, learning, Living in Christ's Family, Love, nature, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another, teaching, writing

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Free to “Bee”


It’s a different kind of Independence Day weekend in the USA. Our little town of Ennis WILL have its annual rodeo tonight. Social distancing is easy in that outdoor venue. But we will not have the 4th of July parade. Our population of 1,000 grows on that day to about 6,000 typically – and the sidewalks are wall-to-wall people. So for public safety, it was cancelled. We are free to just BEE this year… and grateful to bee alive!

The rodeo will happen as usual, but the crowd will be greatly diminished.

We’ll miss the parade, but we’ll celebrate here at home –
quietly thanking God for our freedom and renewed health.

Yesterday Bob was delighted to be able to spend a day on the Madison River with our friend, Scott. The fishing was good – and the weather was beautiful. The wildlife were out enjoying the sunshine, too.

Scott took this picture of the moose who entertained the fishermen.

He managed to get four of the five fox babies in one photo. He said they were quite entertaining!

Yesterday while Bob was out fishing and I was recuperating from my surgery, a couple of my girlfriends and a dear couple from our church made sure I was well taken care of. Terry (on the left) made bran muffins for my breakfast and gave me a darling, soft and cuddly angel blanket. Elaine (on the right) brought lunch and we shared it as we visited for a couple of hours. Then later in the day other friends brought us a delicious dinner of ham and scalloped potatoes, salad, and cookies for dessert. Yum!!!

Today is Terry’s birthday! Happy Birthday to my sweet, beautiful friend.<3

I know I am super blessed to have such wonderful friends.
I hope you are equally gifted.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

On another topic, you may have noticed that yesterday’s blog “Learn to Say NO,” with a series of Haiku was all in capital letters. I was not intending to shout at you. I was just trying to enlarge this font that WordPress suddenly has decided to use as a default. I found out how to enlarge the first letter in each new text entry. That’s fun, but do you have advice for how I can default back to a larger text for the body of my posts?

I hope you’re having a fun-filled weekend…
even if it’s not the typical Independence Day celebration.
Happy 4th of July weekend!

Celebrate your FREEDOM to BEE!
See ya tomorrow.
Love from JanBeek

Category:

Animals, blessings, Family, Fishing, friendship, Giving, Gratitude, health, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Montana, nature, relationships, Serving One Another

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Learning to Say No


Saying no is hard
I much prefer the word YES
Do you understand?

Health is compromised
Saying YES to everything
So, learn to say NO

“Not yet” is better
It doesn’t sound so harsh
It keeps doors open

I like open doors
Closed doors are a frustration
You know what I mean?

But there are those times
When limitations are placed
On us – and we rest

Today is that day
I say YES to getting help
No to stubbornness

I let God define
What I am doing today
Happiness is rest!

I seek happiness
By letting others help me
Thank God for helpers!

Satisfying rest
Is good for the heart and soul
God bless you, my friends!

We had a wonderful sunrise this morning in our Madison Valley.

These are the beautiful roses Bob got for me yesterday to help with my healing. Aren’t they gorgeous?

The view from my bed is beautiful… and I brought a few of the roses into my bedroom so I could enjoy them while I rest and read my devotionals and say my prayers. My prayer list keeps growing! I started it in January… and just keep adding to it. This is just page one of two!

God is good. He hears our prayers… and He responds. I feel His loving comfort today. Thank you for being here with me as I recuperate from yesterday’s hernia surgery.

TazE is here in bed with me, too.
Sweet puppy!

Have a restful day – if you can.
Practice saying NO when the time is right!

See ya tomorrow.
Hugs from JanBeek

Category:

Belief, blessings, contentment, Faith, flowers, friendship, Giving, God, Gratitude, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, pets, Poetry, prayer, relationships, respect

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Shared Sunsets & Sunrises


My good friend, Lisa, who lives in North Carolina, sent me this sunset video last night. I was home here in Montana on a dark, stormy night… missing the chance to see a sunset here… and along came this gift:

Yes, it is God’s gift of love!

In the past, Lisa has sent other sunsets … and a lot of sunrises … along with prayers for blessings and health and happiness. What a wonderful friend!

My collection of sunsets and sunrises come to you with prayers and love, too.

If you love the way God chooses to start and end each day as much as I do, let me share with you other sunsets I’ve received:

And I love sunrises just as much. Let me share a couple of those with you:

Fran McNeill’s sunrise

I shared that last one with you a couple weeks ago, but I couldn’t talk about sunrises and not include hers. Talk about beautiful! Isn’t God the greatest artist ever??

So, whether you are ready for your next sunset, like we are here in Montana, or your next sunrise, like my daughter in Switzerland, let God’s handiwork amaze you…

… and share your love of the Light with all you meet. Have a blessed day – and a restful night. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Virtual hugs from
JanBeek

Category:

art, blessings, Faith, Family, friendship, Giving, Gratitude, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, peace, prayer, relationships, Sharing

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