Last time I clicked on “Reblog” and tried to post this 2020 entry, folks were unable to access it. Hopefully the “Reblog” will work this time. It’s a fun, inspirational post, I hope you enjoy revisiting it.
But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Porcelain dancers – Gift from Mom: “You’re forever these!”
She gifted me On my fortieth.
The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen wordswith a break anywhere in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.
My porcelain girls are a 1979 gift from my mom for my 40th birthday. Created by German artist, Lorenz Hutschenreut, they are called “Ring Around the Rosie” – This 3 Girls May Day dance figurineis priceless to me!
Mom knitted my sweater, fixed my hair, arranged for the photographer, captured our love forever in this photo.
But, the real capture of love for me was more than just in my childhood… She continued to gift me with her strength, her optimism, and her encouragement for the rest of her life.
When I take out my dancing girls and decorate the vase with flowers, I am taken back to my fortieth, back to my childhood, back to time with Mom.
What a treasure!
Here Mom is with my sis, Sally, and me – – – and my daughter, DeDe. I like to think that we three are the “Dancing Girls.”
Ah, such sweet memories!
Do you have a special item of some sort that brings you back to your childhood?
Something that’s priceless to you because of the memories packed into it?
Tell me about it. Maybe try your hand at a septolet!
The scriptures and the devotionals that popped up this week all point the way to our preparation for spring. Get ready! Be prepared! Make way for the new!! It will come, won’t it? Eventually?
I am more than ready for our ice (used to be snow) piles to melt and allow the bulbs to wake up and begin to sprout!
Isaiah 43:16,18-19-
This is what the Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing…”
But, I do remember those former things!!
These were the last of them from last spring.
I am ready to hang my spring wreath and I am ready to “Spring Up!” my clocks tonight in preparation for Daylight Savings Time.
I am ready to keep that time schedule all year round to give us more hours of daylight in our waking hours. How about you?
Get ready for a sunny Sunday! I am ready for more sunshine. How about you?
I love it when my friend, Lisa, sends me photos of her sunrises above the lake near her home in North Carolina.
I’m ready for a ride on “Lucille” (our redheaded ATV who is a “Ball”) into the springtime wildflowers on our mountain trails around here.
Right now, looks like that’s a couple months away.
This year we won’t have our TazE (our beloved Boston Terrier traveled over the Rainbow Bridge last December. We miss her!) to keep us company on our rides. She was sure a great trail companion!
We saw some mighty PURDY sites together on those rides! Sometimes we’d take the trail all the way over to Pony, Montana, the cute little town northwest of us where there is a cute little tavern. We’d meet our other ATV friends there.
So, get ready, my friends. Make way for the realization of those dreams once more when we can take that ride again!
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal (that’s my time right now); a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh (that’s ALWAYS now!); a time to mourn, and a time to dance (let’s do!!); a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace (let’s do that, too), and a time to refrain from embracing; …
May your storms diminish and your sunshine increase; May your troubles decrease and your joys abound.
May your eyes clearly see the beauty all around you. God bless you, my friends. Make way for those blessings! They are coming! Rest assured!!
Love and Lotsa Hugs, JanBeek
P.S. My eyes are healing after the cataract surgery last week. Thank you for your prayers. The farsighted vision is bright and clear – beautiful colors. Single lens replacement instead of the multiple variety was my only option. It has to do with the age of these tired 83 year old eyes and the shape they were in. But I’m not complaining. Another follow-up appointment is scheduled in 3 weeks. I’ll keep you posted. Thinking positively!
As a senior woman who has enjoyed eight decades of life on this earth (8+ and still counting) , I am here to tell you that women all over the world need to be celebrated every day … not just one day a year!
I mean, gosh, where would the guys be if it weren’t for us gals in the kitchen? They’d be hurting, that’s for sure!
That’s not to say all the guys are stupid. No, I didn’t say that! Heck, my daughter would be in a world of hurt if she lived without her husband! He’s got the kitchen! Her apartment doesn’t even have a hot plate!
And in addition to the kitchen, he has the wine cellar! Not too dumb, that guy! Let’s celebrate International Women who know how to pick ‘em!!
And how about International Women who keep all their marbles intact while managing to find their phone, keys, and glasses before heading out for their executive board meetings?
Now, don’t get me wrong – – – I’m not saying you have to be beautiful on the outside to be a celebrated woman. But, it helps to shed your caterpillar skin and learn to fly! Even if you stay earth-bound, you can fly from one multi-task to another, right? There’s something quite gorgeous about what all those celebrated international women can get done!!
I don’t know what that had to do with International Women’s Day, but it made me laugh 😹 And I guess that’s one thing all us ladies can agree on, right? Laughter is great medicine – and we need more of it in this world!
And we need more compassion. More hand holding. More understanding. More reaching out in love 😻
Who’s some “international Woman” that you appreciate today? I love all those who’ve got us covered with their love and laughter and far-reaching kindness.
Dr. David Jeremiah, whose “Turning Point” devotional is a favorite of mine each morning, quoted Orison Marden today, “Laughter begins in the lungs and diaphragm, setting the liver, stomach, and other internal organs into a quick, jelly-like vibration, which gives a pleasant sensation and exercise, almost equal to that of horseback riding.”[1]
Dr. Jeremiah continued his devotional, “Most of us worry more than we laugh. But remember, ‘A merry heart does good, like medicine’’ (Proverbs 17:22). In Luke 6:21, Jesus promised laughter to the weeping. We’ll enjoy many good laughs in the cheerfulness of heaven, but don’t wait until then. Cultivate a merry heart now. Instead of focusing on what might be, focus on what will be.
Dr. Jeremiah reminded us to, “Keep your mind regulated by the reality of God’s eternity. When we focus on life eternal, we diminish the worry of temporal things. Cheerfulness is knowing God has us today, and He also has tomorrow under His perfect control.”
Then he quoted a distant relative of my husband, Bob’s, Henry Ward Beecher, he was Harriet Beecher Stow’s brother:
“Mirth is God’s medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it. Grim care…anxiety, all this rust of life, ought to be scoured off by the oil of mirth.
So, let’s laugh! Let’s adopt “Mirth” as our medicine for today. OK?
Some humor is too true to be funny, but I laugh anyway!
Lots of people found COVID reasons to keep laughing…
Doesn’t need to be Friday to smile… We can laugh any day that ends in a “Y” Yay!
Laughter doesn’t have an age limit. In fact, the more you laugh and stir up those ” internal organs into a quick, jelly-like vibrations” the better off you’ll be at all ages!
Dogs always are good for a laugh in my book! Every time we have lost one of our furry friends, Bob says he doesn’t want another dog. Can’t go through the pain of loss again…
Yup, he’s saying that now… No more dogs! Hah! We’ll see…
Some jokes are too trashy to be funny. I prefer to laugh at clean jokes like this one:
“What do newborns and seniors have in common? They’ll both nap anywhere.”
Okay, okay… Like I said, “Some jokes are too true to be funny!”
I see you smiling! Come on… let it out … Laugh!
Enough already! Keep smiling! It’s the best look you can have!
The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen wordswith a break anywhere in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.
. . . Kindness Lovingly given Gratefully received Reap what you sow
We rise Lifting others Carry . . .
What picture did those words create for you?
Here is the picture that came to my mind.
:o)
And this is the scripture that came to mind:
Luke 6:25 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
Jesus is my inspiration. God’s Word is my go-to for direction. It inspires me to be kind, not just to my family, friends, and loved ones, but also to those who annoy me… maybe most to them!
Thank you, David, from skepticskaddish.com, for introducing me to this new (to me) poetry form. It was fun to give The Septolet a try.
Hey, WP Friends, why don’t you try it, too? I’d love to see your word picture.
Tim McGraw sings the message in a most beautiful song. This is new to me, too. Have you heard it before? The images that accompany it are so inspiring. You’ll be glad if you take time to see and listen!
Hugs to you… Have a Wonderful Weekend. Always be Humble and Kind!
“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
Proverbs 15:13
Use your merry heart To be like an umbrella Protection in storms
At the end of day Your sweet, merry countenance Is a lovely sight
Your positive view Shines through the dark clouds of gloom Lifting others’ hearts 💕
You’ve an extra dose Merriment is contagious You infect others
David Jeremiah’s entry in today’s devotional in Ever Faithful was titled “A Merry Heart.” It gave me the incentive for today’s post:
“After Richard Norris was badly disfigured by a gunshot wound in 1997, he remained hidden at his parents’ home for years. They covered the mirrors to keep him from glimpsing his face. But a team of doctors… gave Richard a new countenance.”
The scripture selected, Proverbs 15:13, fit the story perfectly. Richard’s spirit was broken. His sorrow of the heart was understandable. David Jeremiah went on to link Richard’s sorrow to us all:
“While Richard’s story is unusually dramatic, there’s a sense in which we all need a new countenance. Study the faces of people you meet every day…”
Oh how I love those Last two pictures of my friends Study every face
David Jeremiah goes on to suggest,
“Steal a quick glance at your own face as you pass a mirror or reflective window. …Our emotions inexorably flash through the forty-three muscles in our face and we communicate our feelings through our eyes, brows, and the set of our mouths.”
“One smile can light up a room; one frown can darken a day.
“The Bible tells us a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. Rejoice in the Lord today and let the joy of Jesus shine through.”
I dare you to listen to this and not smile!!
You know I play the accordion, right? Well this is a concertina… buttons on both sides. Aren’t these kids adorable?
Open up you Merry Heart! Mine is open for you!!
Love ya, JanBeek
Open heart + Open hands = Merry, Cheerful Countenance
Thousands of years before His birth, Isaiah predicted Him:
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Then, when Isaiah’s prediction came true, Jesus came to earth… the Prince of Peace, Here to show us how to find His peace, Here to show us how to live.
Ephesians2:14 put it this way:
“Jesus is our peace” Because Jesus “came and preached peace to you who were far away and those who were near.”
Jesus came, lived to show us and teach us, and died to save us. Believing that is the road to His grace. Believing that is the way to Eternal Life. Believing that is the path to peace.
Dr. John Koessler wrote:
“Those who know the peace of Christ become agents of peace themselves. When Jesus first sent His disciples to proclaim the kingdom, He told them, ‘As you enter the home, give it your greeting.’ Matthew 10:12 (the traditional Jewish greeting, Shalom) This was more than a social formality, Christians are offering peace through faith in Christ to others. The shalom of Christ is more than a greeting. It is a promise. There is more to peace than a personal experience. For the Christian, peace is a person. Jesus is our peace.”
This blog was posted in my “Embrace” series a year or so ago. Many of you, my faithful followers, saw it and commented. Thank you so much!
It is worth revisiting! I have several new friends since then, so I think this is a good one to reblog as we approach this Thanksgiving Day 2022. Gathering with friends and family reminds us of the blessing these friendships are to us.
My devotional this morning in These Days, Daily Devotions for Living by Faith, quoted Col.1:11-12 and reminded us, “Being in a healthy relationship is no small task.”
It went on to tell us, “It takes work, sacrifice, and understanding.” Yesterday I reblogged a post titled, “Partners” that pointed to those same requirements for lasting relationships.
I recommend that you click on the “Best Friendship Songs” below and listen as you read my Haiku renderings on this subject of Relationships.
Relationships are What this life is all about Friends are our life’s gifts
We need each other Going through life alone won’t work Loneliness smothers
We’re never alone When we’ve a relationship With God, our Maker
Put God first in life Let Him help you bind your love So it never breaks
In an article in Woman’s Day Magazine, I quote:
“Whether you’re starting out a new relationship, have been married for years, simply love your friends, or adore your family, there’s always a way to incorporate God into each of the unique relationships in your life.”
Choose relationships Grounded in mutual love With respect at center
Seek Godly friendships Not just with your great neighbors, But with every one
Especially when You are choosing a life’s mate, Be centered in God
Men, listen to this: If she does not know your God, She doesn’t know real love.
Don’t give up on her! Teach her about the Savior Save relationships
Embrace your friendships Love one another fully Treasure your family
I am grateful for The love of my family I can count on them
I pray your friends care For you as mine do for me… And know I love you!
You are blogging friends Who visit JanBeek to say “I care about you”
I am inspired by The way I can count on you To come, read, and write
God bless you, dear friends Your relationship matters It’s more than on-line
It’s alive in me You’re a friend I depend on I can count on you!
Have you been listening To that collection of songs? Lots of good words there!
Like: “Live your story” “Know our love will never die” “Hold on to your friends.”
Thank you for visiting JanBeek today. You matter to me. Thank you for being my friend. See you tomorrow.
My niece, Jodie, with me and her best friend, Melissa… Such treasures in my life!!
JanBeek 