Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Sunday, May 5 in 2024, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican American populations.
I love the color, the food and drink, and the joy associated with this date.
This video is a fun way to learn a few facts about this day from the Mexican point of view:
A very informative video… with a powerful message: “A grain of hope, no matter how small and insignificant to others, can make the impossible possible.”
Will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo today? If so, how? I wish we had a mariachi band here in Ennis. I’d be there in a minute!
Mariachi music is synonymous in my mind with this date. How about you? Are you a mariachi fan, too?
I’m off to make and enjoy a Margarita. Wish you could come join me!!
I found this post in my “Drafts” folder. I thought I’d already posted it.
I guess WP was waiting for this 2nd day of Lent when we’re spending 40 days preparing our hearts for the greatest love ever told: Jesus’ death on the cross for our redemption.
Back when I started this post, we were being wined & dined – loving and being loved.
That’s during some of our travels last month in CA. Here we were in San Clemente … cool ocean air … warm family fun!
Bob & I loved being with friend Bob and our son’s father-in-law, Darrell.
There had been high tides that washed away sand. They were replacing it ingeniously!
Before coming to southern CA beaches, we spent glorious, loving time with dear friends, Jim & Terry in Paso Robles. Ah, feeling love all around!
The warmth of their love was matched by the warmth of their home and beautiful fireplace.
Church on Sunday in Paso Robles was filled with the love of people singing and praising God and seeking to return His love in tangible ways.
The cover of the Sunday bulletin
As we continued our road trip through California for another week, soaking in the love and hospitality of family & friends, I reached out in prayer for you, praying you, too, can FEEL love every day, every hour, every minute. You ARE loved!
I hope you are having a love-filled week!
Necklace is a love gift from Terry. Thank you, sweet “Soul Sister!”
My word for 2024 is SIFT. It is an acronym for: S = Simplify I = Inventory & Itemize (to facilitate simplifying) F = Focus on the present T = Take Time to Think (before speaking or acting)
Yes, health is about what you’re eating, thinking, and saying, but it also is about what you are doing. So, my friends, let’s SIFT! Let’s simplify our lives by eliminating the “stuff” we don’t need and organizing the things we decide to keep. Let’s focus on the present and take time not just to think before speaking or acting, but also TAKE TIME TO PRAY as we sift through each day’s possibilities.
Today was what some call “Fat Tuesday.” The day before Lent, a season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter. It culminates at Easter when Jesus gave up His life for us all. So, some folks “give up” something as a remembrance of and in honor of Christ’s ultimate giving. “Fat Tuesday” is a silly idea… to overindulge in that thing the day before you give it up for forty days!
Overindulgence is not a Biblical concept! I hope you didn’t buy in to it!! It is diametrically opposed to the idea of Lent … a time of fasting and praying leading up to Easter.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
So, join me, my friends, during this special season. Let’s simplify. Let’s take inventory and prioritize. Let’s focus on the now, and let’s take time to think and to pray before we speak or act. Let’s decide what we want to “give up” for 40 days to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. Let’s give this Lenten season the time and attention Christ deserves.
While it snows in Montana, we bask in gorgeous CA sunshine with family & friends!Just right temps!
It’s a great way to welcome the new year!
God is good! Life is wonderful! After celebrating Bob’s 85th birthday with his two brothers and their wives, we are now with dear friends here in Pebble Beach for a few days.
Last week this part of the 17 Mile Drive in Carmel/Monterey was closed due to high tides. Open now, we are soaking up the beauty!
Yesterday we went wine tasting in Carmel with Alan & Ingrid. Such fun!
Today we’re headed for the Monterey Aquarium. Stay tuned! I’ll be back!
How has your 2024 begun?
Did you go to church to begin the year? Have you thanked God for your new day!? Please do!
Cherish family!
Shine the light of love and spread the gift of peace wherever you go! God bless you!
You have access to all the power you need You just gotta be sure to plug in Connect to the source of your power It’s available to you even if you’re shut in
Like a mighty wave or hurricane Power can evoke awe or cause destruction What’s the source of your power? There’s a ready source… what’s your deduction?
I bet you know where I’m going With this line of reasoning. Yup, the power I have in mind Is filled with the best spiritual seasoning!
In yesterday’s Mornings With Jesus devotional comments by Karen Sargent, she shared an experience she had with power cords. She was preparing for a presentation using various technology. Thinking she might need an extension cord, she added it to her equipment. However, after setting everything up, she realized she didn’t have the part she needed. Sargent wrote,
“… There was a problem. In one hand I held a three-prong plug on my laptop cord. In the other, a two-prong plugin. I checked the projector cord. Three prongs. Without the ability to tap into the electrical source… my technology was useless. I couldn’t power up.”
Sargent extrapolated, “That wasn’t the first time I’d failed to tap into a power source. Sometimes I function on two-prong faith. I know Jesus can do anything… And through Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things (Philippians 4:13). But how often do I connect to the power of the Holy Spirit, the mighty third prong?”
Karen Sargent’s message spoke to me. Yesterday friends helped us install Our Christmas tree here at home – Tucked in along the north-east wall.
We plugged the lights in after A lot of struggle to assemble it. Look closely at the lights there A section is missing … do I resemble it?
Do I lack a portion of my power Because I’m not plugged in totally? The message hit me with a jolt. It fit my plight anecdotally!
Karen Sargent ended her reflections with these thoughts:
“After His resurrection, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, ‘Receive ye the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22). But it wasn’t until Jesus ascended into heaven that the Holy Spirit empowered them. Unlike that useless extension cord… the ultimate power source, The Holy Spirit, is always on hand.”
Today is Labor Day in the USA. It’s a day to thank our workers. Thank all who make life better By their diligence … never shirkers!
Regardless of the job they have, They perform with willing heart. I’m filled with gratitude for them. They carefully do their part.
During COVID we took special care To thank our healthcare workers all. We should continue to thank them And all the others whether large or small.
No job is less important than another. All are crucial for the bottom line. Teamwork, passion, determination Are ingredients that make the results shine.
But the worker who inspires me most Is the on the job person who strives To make the world a better place By interacting with others’ lives.
Yes, it can be done at home sometimes, But what about when you want to dine out? The chef and wait staff better be there, Or you’ll be high and dry… without!
So, today I want to shout out a thanks To all the workers who make life sweeter. Here is one… our Dolly Wolly in Switzerland. You should go to her place and meet her!!
This is what it looked like then they bought it. Now the restaurant has taken on a new look. And De’s husband, Andre’ is the chef who Puts out superb dishes – he’s quite the cook!
Here are De and Andre’ with some family Sitting down to enjoy a meal… You can tell by the empty plates and smiles How good it was; how it made them feel!
So, Happy Labor Day, all you workers Who strive to serve the public with care- Whether out in front and quite visible Or hidden in back rooms, with work to share!
We appreciate the way you aim to please With passion and with determination. What you do is important and beneficial Regardless of your chosen occupation.
Thank you!
Hugs from JanBeek (volunteering at the Food Bank)
Volunteer work counts, too! Stay-at-home Mom work counts double!!
Today’s prompt was: How do you express your gratitude?
Whenever I feel grateful Which is certainly most of the time I cheerfully, freely express it Often in cards I write in rhyme
I’m grateful for the animals That come and rest in our space But when they eat branches or flowers I shoo them off – give them chase!
I thank God for our sunsets That reflect on the mountains east The beauty of their presence Is for my eyes a heavenly feast!
I express to our sweet visitors Who came from Switzerland to here How much we enjoy their presence Creating memories so dear
Here they are on the Madison Fishing with Bob on the shore The peacefulness and the beauty, Made up for no catches, zero score
Our hostess was Fran, the musician Who entertained us with lunch and a song We thanked her with hugs and elation With such beauty, what could go wrong?
I thank God for USA’s freedom For the way we celebrate each year Parades, the rodeo, barbecues… what a crowd All came to see the bronc riders and to cheer
Our Swiss guest, Laszlo, really caught the mood Donning a cowboy hat, he weathered the rain He enjoyed all the cowboys and cowgirls Watched many get bucked off- lose the rein
Saskia smiled at the chance to be here Their first USA trip – They chose this Montana spot I’m expressing my gratitude for their visit And thanking God for perfect weather -not too hot!
Of course, you can count on huge crowds On Independence Day every year The parade is the main attraction Literally thousands come to view and to cheer
Horses are plentiful, some large, some small And the floats are the old fashioned type Throwing candy, waving flags, squirting water, They live up to all the hype!
The Bible says:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18 (NIV)
If you’ve gotten out of the habit of being thankful, it’s time to get back into spiritual shape. Every morning, as soon as the alarm goes off (or you wake up on your own… this side of the grass), make a habit of thanking God for a new day — and ask Him for guidance as you embark on new victories and challenges in the hours ahead.
We began our day at the nursing home Grateful we could help the residents out Pushed them in their wheel chairs Where they could hear the crowds shout
We thanked Madison Valley Manor For placing a row of chairs at road’s side We had first class seating to view All the cars, horses, floats… want a ride?
Back home we were treated To our own neighborhood parade & song The neighbors’ grandkids rode their bikes “Happy Birthday, Uncle Sam!” Sing along!
How do you express your gratitude When you are overwhelmed with glee? I wish you could have been here To say Thanks to the kids with me!
Thank you for the daily prompt That encourages me to write I don’t get at it every day, but often… You inspire my muse’s light!
How do you express your gratitude To those who touch your heart I hope you do it daily & often – If not, now’s a good time to start!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
(Happy Independence Day! and Happy Birthday to our pastor, Mary Grace Reynolds, 28 today! Hooray!)
I’m grateful for her presence in our lives! God bless you, MGR!!
This coming week is a big one in Ennis, MT. People come from all around to enjoy: 1) the Fireman’s Pancake breakfast 7:-10:am at the FireHall, 2) the old fashioned (step back 50 years) parade at 10:00 am, 3) a walk around our quaint little town for a couple hours, 4) the Lion’s Club BBQ at Lion’s Club Park at noon, and 5) the rodeo at 4:00 PM … or is it later? (there’s also one the night of the 3rd)
Here are a few pictures from years past to help you see what a great set of events it is:
The parade is an event not to be missed!
The rodeo is always fun!
I love the way little kids dress up for the holiday! The adults go all out, too!
Bob & I met in the summer of 1958 at a hometown dance. We had many mutual friends because he came from his little town of Hughson, CA in to the bigger town of Turlock (about 15 miles) to church every Sunday. I didn’t go to that same church, so I didn’t meet him while I was in high school.
That summer after my freshman year in college, I returned home to Turlock and attended a dance at the War Memorial building. It seems like all our mutual friends decided it was time for us to meet.
“Fine to meetcha!” he would say each time we were introduced. “What did you say your name is?”
It took two weeks after that introductory dance for him to call and ask me out. And it was three and a half years later when I was graduated and teaching, and he was stationed at an army base in Germany, that we married and I went to Wurzburg to join him.
Here’s the guy I fell in love with in 1959
I don’t have a photo here of us in Germany, but it was a magical 9 months. I got a job teaching on the army base … a darling first grade. And when we returned to the states, I resumed my teaching career and Bob finished college.
His job at Shell Oil in San Francisco lasted only a year or so. Then he went back to college and earned his teaching credential. Bob taught at Hillsdale High in San Mateo for nine wonderful years. During that time our children, Ty & DeAna were born.
Bob with De (3) and Ty (5)
We moved back to the Turlock area in 1969 and our kids attended school in Modesto while I taught in Ceres & Hughson and Bob returned to his roots: beekeeping. The rest is history!
I just want you to know that I thank God every day for the love Bob & I have shared these 60+ years – and the gift of family God has given us.
Our “children” – Ty & DeAna
I pray that you other moms & dads out there can look back as I do, and feel enormous gratitude for the person God gave you to be co-creators… may your children honor you this day, dads.
