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Archive for the ‘kindness’ Category

Show Up and Never Give Up!


Let all that you do be done in love.  

1 Corinthians 16:14

Above all,
keep loving one another earnestly,
since love covers a multitude of sins.

 1 Peter 4:8

May the God of hope
fill you with all joy
and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit 
you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

For God gave us a spirit not of fear

but of power and love and self-control.  

2 Timothy 1:7

John 14:26 
ESV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
He will teach you all things
and
bring to your remembrance
all that I have said to you.

Romans 8:37 
ESV

No,
in all these things
we are
more than conquerors
through Him who loved us.

Get up – dress up – show up!

And never give up!

Galatians 6:9 
ESV 

And let us not grow weary
of doing good,
for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.

I’m never giving up
I want to be proud
Of who I’m becoming
With God’s help
I’m reaching for the sky
I’m gonna get up
Dress up
Show up
and
Never give up

You, too?

I pray you have
wonderful neighbors/friends
who come, help, encourage
and inspire you
in your Daily Walk,
like we do!

Yes, count your blessings!

I made green eggs and ham
yesterday for St. Patrick’s Day
and then we shared
corned beef and cabbage
with those dear neighbors
who inspire us
to get up, dress up,
show up, and
never give up.

What have you done recently
to thank those who inspire you
to show up everyday
and never give up?


I send my love and encouragement to you.
Thanks for showing up at JanBeek
and encouraging me to keep on
keepin’ on!

I love you!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here is some very soothing music
to calm your spirit
as you get up,
show up,
and
never give up!

Enjoy!!

Have a blessed weekend!
Hugs,
JanBeek

Where Ya Lookin’?


Where ya lookin’, my friend?
Do ya got yer head in the sand?
Are you avoidin’ some things
By keeping blinders on hand?

Some of us think if we shut off
The news about strife in our land,
If we just stream in what’s good,
We can avoid the newsstand.

Let’s just pray and read our Bibles;
Let’s join hands with like-minded folk.
Let’s ban anyone we disagree with.
Lock out the sorrow they evoke.

Let’s focus on the good ole days
And remember pure life gone by.
No social media. No Fox News or CNN.
No log in my own eye.

I see the sliver in your eye.
I see the faults of all those other folk,
So I choose to build a cocoon
And just carry my own yoke.

Do you relate to such thinkin’?
Are you so selfish you’re stinkin’?
When ya gonna come outta yer cave
And discover the poison you’re drinkin’?

Ya can’t find Utopia here on earth
By shuttin’ out all that’s a disgrace.
Ya gotta look and see and recognize
The mud splattered on your own face.

The sin of this world splashes up
To make guilty sinners of us all.
We can’t avoid it with blinders.
We can’t be thinkin’ so small!

We gotta look at all those in trouble
With compassion and a heart to see
How each of us is in this together.
Their misery and pain touches me.

I gotta take off the shutters and open
The doors to my heart for their pain
To permeate my soul and my conscience.
I gotta step out in the rain.

I gotta look ahead to the future
And see what I can do to make peace
With those I find disagreeable.
This head in the sand’s gotta cease!

My word for 2023 is “Ready.”
Am I ready to take my own advice?
Break outta the cocoon and fly upward
To help others? At what cost? What price?

The price of compassion is nothing
Compared to what it costs to ignore
The people in need all around us.
Where ya lookin’ my friend? The floor?

Let’s turn to the windshield and see
What’s right in front on the road.
Let’s pick up our yoke and share it
To help others lessen their load.

Matthew 11:28-30
NIV

28 “Come to me, 
all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
 29 Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, 
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. 
30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

See that smile up there on that guy?
It ain’t that easy; I won’t lie.
But with time and love and care,
You’ll find peace. Reach out and share!

Sending love your way…
from the Ennis Food Bank!


Sharing is Caring!
JanBeek

Happy International Women’s Day!


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 😻

Photo by Stokpic on Pexels.com

Thank you, International Women, and all you men out there who appreciate us. We appreciate you, too.

Wouldn’t be many of us around if it weren’t for you!

Photo by Flickr on Pexels.com

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.

I Love YOU, ❤️ janbeek😍

Kindness


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.

.
.
.
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!

Love,
JanBeek

Good to Go; Great to Return


Good to go
Appreciate the help
Airport Kindness

Montana State
Basketball Big Boys
Filled our plane

Arrived in Baltimore
safe and sound
;o)

Our daughters
Greeted & Treated us
We’re so blessed

Total Wine
A Fun Outing
Shared Libations

Reason to Travel
Beautiful Wedding
Adorable Couple

Love Thrives
Commitment Reigns
God bless ‘em

Party Begins
Family & Friends
There to Support
and to Congratulate

Mother of Bride
Wonderfully Talented
Sooo Generous

Thank You, Laina!!

A Day to Rest
“Mangia” & Enjoy
Visit Annapolis

Mmmm Seafood
Fresh & Tasty
What a Treat

Highly recommended
The Choptank
Sooo good

Beautiful Chapel
Annapolis Navy Academy
Wonderful Campus

Lovely Setting
On Chesapeake Bay
Blue Sky Day

(Meanwhile, it was -20 degrees
and snowing back in Montana!)

Back in Glen Burnie
Time to Relax
And Pack Suitcases

Yummy Breakfast
Greatest Hostess
Sweet Kitty


Time to Say Good-bye
Missing our Daughter #2
and her “Go-Go”

Car iced over
Roads icy, too
Scary Drive Home

(Appreciated the truck that led the way!)

Snowdrifts 4 feet high
Can’t get car in garage
But we’re tucked inside safely

Hooray!
God is good!!

(Thank you for the prayers
They worked
God bless you
)

Can’t remember the last time I had lobster.
Can You? When and where?

This was such a treat!
I pigged out!

See ya tomorrow
Stay Warm


Love,
JanBeek

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

Liquid Love – Dwight Roth


Love is not something solid that you give to someone such as a gift at Christmas. It is not a gift card from Target with a dollar amount written on …

Liquid Love

Reblog #13 – Hug Your Neighbor!


Welcome to JanBeek and my month of reblogging.

Who is your neighbor?


This post was originally blogged last year.
I was inspired to repost it for you today
because Dr. David Jeremiah wrote this in his devotional today
in response to the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37:

Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

“Jesus’ point was this:
Your neighbor is anyone with a need
that you are able to meet.
Look for a neighbor whose need you might meet.”

People may excite in themselves a glow of compassion…
by going and seeking an object that requires compassion.
Henry Ward Beecher

The post was part of my “Embrace” series
and it was titled. “Embrace Everyone.”

Photo by Trinity Kubassek on Pexels.com
Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com
Photo by Gabby K on Pexels.com
Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com


Embrace Everybody
and
Recognize our Commonality
while we
Celebrate our Differences

Know that
We are more alike
than different.
More binds us than separates us.

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

Embrace Everybody.
Work to make this world
A better place because
You are in it.


May tomorrow
be a new day of new hope
and greater unity.
Let’s each do our part
to make it so.

Embrace Everybody.
Oh, and take care of our bees.
We need them!

Who will you meet who needs a hug from you today?
Reach out, my friends … here’s a virtual one from Bob & me!

See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Just Be Kind


The story in today’s Daily Guideposts reminded me,
It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.

Just a simple “Thank you,” or “Please,”
Just a moment to reach out and lend a hand,
Can change someone’s entire day.
And it may impact those observing the kindness, too.

So, just be kind!

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”

Matthew 7:12 ESV

In her story in Guideposts today, Erika Bentsen recounted how (back when she was only 17) she was waiting on a bus in Scotland for the departure time. The bus driver was busy telling stories to the attentive passengers. Suddenly the bus driver dashed from his seat to help a woman across the road who had dropped a package. Then he returned to his seat and continued his story telling.

When her aunt interrupted him and said, “That was awfully nice of you,” he shrugged it off saying, “It costs nothin’ to be kind.”

Years later, that conversation stuck with Erika. Her prayer at the bottom of the page reads,

“Dear Lord,
shower me with opportunities
to share kindness
until it becomes
as natural as breathing.”

Like Erika, I want kindness to be as natural as breathing. I know it is an attribute worth cultivating.
I pray every morning on my way down the stairs from my sanctuary. I thank God for the

  • love
  • joy, and
  • peace that are mine, and I ask God to help me with
  • patience
  • kindness
  • goodness
  • faithfulness (which brings blessings)
  • gentleness, and
  • self-control. I ask God to
  • help me live humbly with an attitude of gratitude, and a response of
  • generosity and
  • forgiveness,
  • obedience and
  • integrity.

Ask God to help you develop
a habit of kindness
so it is a natural as breathing to you.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone did that?

Kindness needs to be cultivated!

Who was the last person who was particularly kind to you?
What did he or she do?
I bet you remembered to say thank you!

Now, pass it on!!

I bet you do that everyday!!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See you again tomorrow.
Be well!!

Things Take Longer


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.

Love, JanBeek

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