Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Archive for the ‘optimism’ Category

Plans to Prosper You

Who has plans to prosper you?
You do??
Who else?

white paper with note
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Jeremiah 29:11

11 “For I know the thoughts
that I think toward you,”
saith the Lord,
“thoughts of peace,
and not of evil,
to give you an expected end.”

God promises to give us hope and a future.
Grace gives me a chance to clean up today’s messes and try again.
Be ready for that prosperous, expected end!

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Sprinkle the salt of peace.
Express
the joy of happiness.
Smile
and
let the love of
the One who wants only
to prosper you
shine forth!

three wooden signage in a tree close up photography
Photo by Maria Gulyaeva on Pexels.com

Guidepost’s Mornings With Jesus
challenged its readers yesterday to
“Thank Jesus for seasoning you
with His grace” – and
“Write down specific ways
He has prospered you so
you can be salt and light
in the world today.”

sunflowers and a card
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

What blessings come to mind for you today?

God provided blue skies.
He sent rain to clear the haze.
The grass is greening
and the flowers are blooming.

I can’t make these things happen…
Only God can control the seasons.
He sends the sun by day
and the moon by night.
These are blessings
I don’t take for granted.

What are some of the specific ways
God has prospered you recently?

I am blessed by your visit here today.
Thank you for following
JanBeek.

I am gratified by the
new followers who have joined us recently.

I send my love & hugs your way.

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Gratitude, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, optimism, relationships

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Wish on a Dandelion

If you could wish
On a dandelion today,
What would you with for?
What would you say?

Laura Sullivan is a Grammy Award-winning musician whose music inspires me. She makes me want to wish on a dandelion.

I wish for peace
And an end to all wars.
I wish for love
And joy to be yours.

I wish for plenty
To be shared with all,
For hope and grace
To never be in shortfall.

I wish for gentleness
And patience to abound,
For music and laughter
To be found all around.

I wish for health
And for patience every day.
I wonder what you’d wish for –
What will you have to say?

boy wearing orange shirt blowing on dandelion
Photo by Sharefaith on Pexels.com

Wish upon a dandelion.
Let your imagination fly.
Wish for what you want the most;
Wish for things you cannot buy.

Back in 2020
When the pandemic was raging,
Laura Sullivan wrote this
(I found it quite engaging):

I wished for an end to
That horrible virus time.
My sister died in the middle of it.
Couldn’t see her; T’was a crime!

I wished upon a dandelion
That our world would soon be well;
That once the pandemic was over
We’d get outta this COVID hell.

But, it appears to me this virus
Is sticking around like the flu.
So, let’s wish upon a dandelion
That it stays away from me and you.

Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com

Lord, be with my special friends
Who visited my blog today.
Help them remain healthy;
Keep all the bugs at bay!

Help them know that wishes
On dandelions can come true.
I wish for peace and love and joy –
Not just for me, but also for you!

What’s your wish today?


(If you don’t have a dandelion available,
remember, a star will do!!)

This is such a classic… I never get tired of hearing it!

A star or a dandelion,
Which one will it be?
Makes no difference –
Make a wish and share with me:

What will you wish for today?

JanBeek
sends love and cheer!

Category:

Faith, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, music, optimism, peace, Poetry

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Porcelain Dancers

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 words with 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 figurine is 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!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

art, blessings, children, Family, flowers, Love, Memories, optimism, Poetry, relationships, writing

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A Merry Heart

“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.”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“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

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Haiku, happiness, Jesus, kindness, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, optimism, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Reblog #11 – Smile

It was September two years ago when we were in the midst of the pandemic, isolated, sequestered, missing friends and family. I posted this blog titled “Smile.” It’s time this cold, snow sparkling in the sunshine day in November to repost it. I hope it makes you smile. It brought a smile to MY face!

Smile when your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
Though there are clouds in the sky
You’ll get by – if you’ll just smile!

Do you know that song?
I’ll share it with you …
Along with some things
that made me smile today:

Everyone needs a blue-footed booby for a smile!
And I dare you to look at this cross-eyed owl trying to see that ladybug – and not smile!!
This snowy egret got its feathers ruffled over SOMEthing!
I used to have a pet goat when I was a kid. This one made me smile big time!

(Change the Thursday to Friday on the following meme) And that “Good Night” can say “Good Morning” or “Good Afternoon” (depending on where you are in th world).
But before I leave you, I told you I’d share that song with you.
It’s not the current version of “Smile” by Katy Perry.
It’s the version from the 1950s when I was a kid (a freshman in high school -to be exact!)!
Here it is. Smile!


This is one of Nat King Cole’s songs that I loved the most.
Its message is so important for us in this world today.

You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you’ll just smile!

Hug each other tight…
Just like these rainbow lorikeets


SMILE!!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Animals, blessings, Family, Gratitude, Love, music, optimism, photography, Poetry, prayer, relationships

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Reblog #5 – Bee Thankful

November is designated as a month to reblog some of my favorite posts from years past. Here is one from November of 2013.

Bee Thankful

Image

Bee thankful
Bee cheerful
Bee prayerful
Life is just a bowl of honey!

Bee grateful
Bee forgiving
Bee carefree
Life is more than food and money!

Bee faithful
Bee mindful
Bee generous
Life is all about giving!

Bee compassionate
Bee humble
Bee a dreamer/doer
Life is Christ-like living!

Bee consistent
Bee persistent
Bee observant
Life is a constant prayer!

Bee joyful
Bee honest
Bee transparent
God is always there!

Image
I am Thankful… for every new day.
How about you?

God bless you! Have a lovely Sunday.
See you with gratitude tomorrow.

Love and hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

blogging, Giving, God, Gratitude, Love, optimism, peace, Poetry, writing

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It is Well

It is well with my soul
Each day is a blessing
Whether coughing or resting
It is well with my soul

It is not my circumstances
That determine my demeanor
It is the joy inside
Even when life gets meaner

I am praying it is well
with your soul today, too, my friend.
God bless you!

Love,

JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Belief, Faith, Gratitude, happiness, health, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, optimism, peace, Poetry, prayer

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Unlock Your Creativity

There’s a muse who lives inside you
She is clever, strong and cute
She is lonely there and waiting
For your visit – she’s not mute

When you meet her, she will speak up
She will help you find your voice
Pick up pen and grab a paper
Writing is your muse’s choice

You’ve a muse who lives inside you
She is waiting to be free
Free to help you find your own voice
Unlock your creativity

Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com



My muse just woke me up tonight
She was screaming for expression
Turned my sniffles into giggles
Lifted me from my depression

She can laugh at my incessant cough
She can find light in the dark
Turn her loose and let her be, please
All she needs is one small spark

Don’t you wonder how she does it
How she keeps her spirit light
My muse is just an angel
Her encouragement is bright

You’ve a muse who lives inside you
She is ready to inspire
Unlock her full potential
She will raise your spirit higher

Creativity that’s hidden
Under cover we create
Needs our angel muse to lift it
Unlock it now – you’re great!

Let’s be the spark that lights another!

Have a great Thursday, my friend.
Unlock your muse – and go create!

Love & hugs to you,
from JanBeek

Category:

Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, optimism, Poetry, writing

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The Joy of Being (in Switzerland)

The joy of just being

Is certainly joy enough

But the joy of being in Switzerland

Is a joy that’s hard to beat – it’d be tough.

While friends and family back home

In California and Montana are roasting

We were enjoying comfy mid-seventies

And lovely meals and yummy wine toasting

Then the weather changed!

.

We were having ham with salad & sausage

At De & Andrés wonderful chalet

I came back to our room to post

And left Bob to finish dessert, but hey…

.

There were two girls outside

Hunkered under umbrellas in the rain

So I pointed to our inside table

And sent them to Bob – let me explain

He was having sorbet; I was done

My place at the table was free

He will love getting acquainted

And they will love his company!

This morning we cooled it in our room

Bob read and I enjoyed reading posts

The day started off rather quiet

More alone time than Swiss’s most

We went for a walk in Vissoie

And enjoyed every sight and each sound

We visited the local church and had

Time for prayer, finding God all around

“Daily Word” gave us the scripture

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice”

Let nothing keep your joy from you-

Respond with a song; raise your voice!

Like a well that can never run dry

My joy is a wellspring from the Lord

I deal with whatever life brings me

With a smile – and I never am bored!

Keep your sense of humor alive

Find the joy in whatever you see

That poor bunny hit the door with a bang

Oh come on, have a good laugh with me!

There he is on the other side!!

.

The joy of being in Switzerland

Is part of the happiness of being alive

Well enough to travel and adapt

Thanking God each day we survive!

Thank you for traveling vicariously with us!

We love sharing with you. Take joy!

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Psalm 32:11

See ya tomorrow (God willing) –

Love, JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, God, Gratitude, happiness, Jesus, Love, optimism, Poetry

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Stress Less

How do I stress less?
Will meditation do it?
Find stillness is me.

Luke 12:22

“Therefore I tell you,
do not worry about your life,
what you eat,
or about your body,
what you will wear.”

Photo by Valeria Ushakova on Pexels.com

Clasp your hands and pray
Ask God for peace, joy, guidance
Just be still and know

Know that God is there
Filling your heart, hearing prayers,
Really listening

We can take the time
Peace and calm are within grasp
Seek serenity

Move forward with peace
Pass it along to others
Pause and stay focused

Meditation is
Time set aside to focus
Beware your focus!

Focus on being loving
Not stress and anxiety
Let peace be your core

If you are so inclined, listen to Hope Darst sing “Peace Be Still” …
and be inspired!

I will trust the voice I heed…
that is my focus on my Lord who calms the seas
and He calms me when I let faith rise up in me.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=lsIpGiz3SfQ&feature=share

It is my faith that
Lets me slough off any stress
And live in God’s peace.

I hope you can do that, too.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.
What will you do to bring less stress into your life?

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Bye for now

Category:

Bible Lessons, contentment, Faith, God, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, music, optimism, peace, Poetry

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