Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Archive for the ‘kindness’ Category

A Prayer for Humanity

I am sharing this post today from a new blogging friend because I think it is so beautifully written … and so powerful. S/He wrote it about three months ago, but it is timeless. Read on and see if you agree…

… I was inspired by a podcast episode that I was asked to be a part of concerning prayer. I chose …

A Prayer for Humanity

Man’s Best Asset

What do you consider man’s best asset?

mondo backside
Photo by Tazz Vaughn on Pexels.com

Well, it depends on how you’re looking at the word, huh?
ASSet?
Or maybe who you are and what you do?

If you are a gastroenterologist,
(a GI doctor)
like Dr. Gentry,
who last Sunday performed Bob’s colonoscopy,
then you’re looking for a clear anus!!

Oh my!
TMI ??
Too much information!!

BUTT (oops!) BUT,
hey, we just went through this weekend from hell…
and if you’ve read my previous coupla blogs,
you know what I mean.
And maybe you are waiting for an update?

Bob received wonderful care at
the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.
The nurse, Ann-Marie, was the reason
he was smiling like this!
She was as efficient as she was beautiful!

What’s a woman’s greatest asset?
She was kind, caring, efficient, and professional.
A real delight!
Aren’t those the perfect qualities for a nurse?
(Or any of us, for that matter!)

Let me digress for a minute, OK?
While Bob was waiting and waiting for his procedure,
(it was scheduled for 8:00 am
and got bumped twice because of emergencies),
I decided to go get something to eat.
Neither Bob nor I had anything solid for about 48 hours!

I was sitting at the counter at Jam!
(my favorite breakfast place in Bozeman)
when the hostess seated a coupe next to me.
I glanced up from the CA church service
that was live-streaming
on my cell phone
and said, “Hi!” to the couple.
Then I went back to listening
to our son, Ty, who was delivering
the sermon at his church
in Placerville, California.
(Isn’t modern technology wonderful?!)

That’s Ty with me – taken last summer…
We’re so proud of his decision to pursue the ministry.


Anyway, I digressed…
What I wanted to share with you was the way
God worked miracles in our lives
every time we turned around last weekend!

persons left hand doing hand gesture
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels.com

I was listening to Ty’s sermon
when I heard the customer recently seated to my left
say, “Hello, Mrs. Beekman.”

Surprised, I looked up…
and I studied the handsome young man’s face.
“Neighbor? Crowley?? Are you Cole?”
I had not seen him in a coupe of years.
He and his family live right across the road from us.
He’s been away at college.
What are the chances in a restaurant with 100+ people
that Cole would be seated right next to me??

“When things happen in your Christian walk of faith
and you say to yourself what a coincidence,
you should know that it’s not, 
it is God’s hand in your life.”


James 1:17 
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 
coming down from the Father of lights
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Open your hands
and your heart
for God to fill them!

Cole and I chatted for a while,
got caught up on what’s new
with him and with us…
and I went back to listening to
Ty’s sermon on-line.
Cole & his girlfriend said their good-byes
with “Let me know if you need anything.”

When the sermon was over
and it was time to get back to Bob
before he went in for his procedure,
guess what?
I asked for the bill…

“That couple that was next to you
paid for your breakfast!”

Every time I turned around,
God was working His miracles
through the generosity,
kindness, professionalism,
and compassion of others!!

See that latte pictured up there?
Do you think it was a coincidence
that a happy bee is floating on the top?

Remember, Bob is
a retired beekeeper/almond farmer.
No accident that they made my dirty chai latte
with almond milk and God sent the bee here to say,
“Hah! Here I am to remind you
Bob is in good Hands!
I’ve gotcha covered!”

I got back to the hospital in time
to say a prayer with Bob
before he was wheeled in.

It was only a short time when
he was wheeled back to the room.

Shortly, the doc came in with the good news,
“You have a beautiful anus for an 84 year old!”
(See, there’s that asset I was telling you about)
Only a GI doctor with 25,000
colonoscopies under his belt
would be so observant, right?


“Everything is OK!
Whatever was causing the bleeding
(no doubt diverticulitis)
has healed itself.
No surgery needed.
Eat more fiber.
Drink more water.”


Bob was given his marching orders
with instructions to follow-up
in a week with his primary care doc here in Ennis.

But before they checked us out
and sent us happily on our way,
Bob was given solid food
(ah, a turkey sandwich never tasted so goood!)
We were sent home with grateful hearts.
Praise the Lord!!

I believe in miracles.
We just experienced more than one.
Look for God’s miracles.
Expect them.
He is busy delivering them every day!

God bless you!
Thank you for all your prayers.
We love you.
Bee well!!

Oh, by the way,
what do you think is
Man’s Best Asset?

Watch What You Say!

Words are impactful
They last longer than you do
Have consequences

“Be careful with your words.
Once they are said,
they can be only forgiven,
not forgotten.”


-Author Unknown

My words lamented
My friend’s weak immune system
Sorrow for her health

Didn’t realize
That I came across as smug
My immune’s better?

Pow! Ouch! Boomerang!
What you say and do
Also impacts YOU!

strong muscular adult sportsman in gym during break in training
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I have heard it said
When you point a finger out
Three come back at you

Maybe this flu bug
Who attacked me Sunday night
Was sent to teach me

You’re not perfect, Jan
Go grab some humility
Don’t knock someone else!

I didn’t mean to…
Impact is often hidden
Never meant to hurt

Four days of the flu
Is enough to wake me up
And teach me this fact:


You better…

“Words are seeds that do more than blow around.
They land in our hearts and not the ground.
Be careful what you plant and careful what you say.
You might have to eat what you planted one day.”

-Unknown

assorted color alphabet on black background
Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Lots has been written
Words used to convey meaning
Words sung to inspire

Words are impactful
They last longer than you do
Choose them carefully

Don’t let them give you a back eye!
Hah!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya again soon, I hope.

This Dim Little Light

This dim little light
Is all that I have to give,
But I’ll let it shine.

Photo by Rahul on Pexels.com

John 1:5

“His life is the light that shines through the darkness –
and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

tealight candle on human palms
Photo by Dhivakaran S on Pexels.com
Even if my light
Is only a flickering
I know it matters

When I realize
My light remains connected
To His Source, I shine.

I shine more brightly
Because I invite Him in:
“Fuel my battery!”

orange usb charger cable on black surface
Plug me in to YOU!!
I need Your Beloved Source!
Fuel my little light.

Little light of mine
Shine brightly into the world
Let God’s love show through

When life becomes hard
Don’t make your countenance grim
Turn your eyes toward Him

He’ll light your candle
He’ll flip the electric switch
He’ll send out His Son!

Yesterday was hard
I posted a note on-line
Asking for some help

But in the process
I named a non-responder
Asked for other names

A “bashing party”
Ensued; was not my intent
The post was removed

wooden scrabbles pieces on white table
Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

Yes, apologize
When you’re wrong just admit it
Shed some honest light

Shed light in the dark
Make amends the best you can
Even a dim light

This dim little light
Is all that I have to give,
But I’ll let it shine.

This little dim light
Is fueled by Love and the Truth
That’s all I can show

Lesson learned!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
Have a Terrific Tuesday!

P.S.
Thanks for praying about my outta sight blood pressure.
It is coming down.
God is good!

No Authority

The prompt today was:

“On What Subject are You an Authority ?”

We just said good-bye to our guests from Switzerland who stayed with us for a week. We did a lot of sharing with one another while they were here. But, even though each of us has had a lifetime of experiences in various fields (technology, social work, teaching, coaching, and beekeeping), none of us tried to come across as an authority on anything! What a turn-off that attitude would be!!

If you have the attitude that you have more knowledge than anybody else around you on a certain subject, and you speak with unabashed authority, I hope you’re being asked to do so, and you’re paid a lot for your opinion! I hope that knowledge gives you an opportunity to have authority with your authority! But…

… in my experience, the one who flaunts his authority (rather than living as an open-minded, humble, life-long learner) seldom finds life very satisfying. Tim McGraw spells it out pretty clearly in his song, “Always Stay Humble and Kind.” You can listen to it below.

Proverbs 22:4 
ESV

“The reward for humility
and
fear of the Lord 
is riches and honor and life.”

I am rich in friends
I am rich in love of life
Christ is my life’s authority.
Where do your riches lie?

It was an interesting prompt today.
How would you have answered it?

Look up for your purpose!

Keep looking up!
Keep learning.
Stay humble and kind!

Thanks for your visit today to
JanBeek

An Inviting Space

There was a space
Where weeds were growing
A promising spot
Where neglect was showing.

So the Nursing Home Auxiliary
Started a No-Show-Fundraiser
And hundreds of givers
Gave to hire the labor

Weeds were removed
And a concrete pad was poured
A pergola was built
The residents and staff were floored!

The pergola looked bare
So barn quilts were added
Flowers in the flower bed
Some benches (no, not padded)

The Lion’s Club bought the benches
For a sprinkler system the MV Woman’s Club paid
A resident’s daughters donated the flowers
Amazing improvements were made

This inviting space brought joy
To the residents and staff alike
More flowers and colors were added
It matched all the fundraising hype

This Friday there will be an Open House
A Thank You for all the kind folks
Who gave to make this possible
Come have a look and share Rootbeer Floats

clear drinking glass
That’s as close as I could come to
a rootbeer float!
sundae in shallow photo

Well, they won’t be THAT fancy!!

Ecclesiates 3:11

“He has made everything beautiful in His time.”

We are making everything beautiful in our time, too!

Come and visit our beautiful, inviting, peaceful space.
We’d love to sit a spell and chat with you!

2:00 to 4:00 PM
Friday, June 30
Madison Valley Manor
211 N Main St.
Ennis, MT 59729
madisonvalleymanor.com


Hugs,
JanBeek

Quality Friends

Today’s Prompt was:

What qualities do you value most in a friend?

(Couldn’t narrow it down to just one quality!)

Quality friends are plentiful

But you gotta keep in touch

Sparkling Example of Sweetness

You gotta love and hug’em

Generosity

Celebrate birthdays and such

Christlikeness

Show your appreciation

Helpfulness

For all they do for you,

Faithful Longevity

And never let their friendship

Thoughtfulness & Sharing

Get away from you.

Consistent Inclusion

Let them know their faith walk

Love & Hospitality

Helps you walk your faith, too.

Genuine Concern

And don’t forget to tell them

Compassion & Companionship

How their integrity influences you.

Patience & Love

Besides integrity and cheerfulness

Faithfulness

Their daily contact is a gift!

Devotion

What qualities of friendship

Generosity

Give you a daily lift?

Thank you for being my blogging friends!
I appreciate your faithful visits and comments.
Have a lovely weekend!
Hugs,
JanBeek

P.S.
My niece, Jodie,
and her forever best friend, Melissa,
are coming to spend next week with us.
I can hardly wait!

Duh!

What public figure do you disagree with the most?

From my Christian perspective, this prompt is a no brainer for anyone in the USA with a moral bone in his/her body. But I have good Christian friends who disagree with me, so why open the gap and create more divisiveness?

Let Justice reign!

Can we disagree and still love one another?

Let peace and unity be our goal.

Amen? Hugs to you from … JanBeek ❤️🙏🏽🥰

Life without Enemies

handwritten message in black ink
Photo by Polina Kovaleva on Pexels.com

On his blog today, Rahul Gaur  invited his readers to create a poem inspired by another poet.. using opposites. Rahul”s blog site is titled:

SMOKE WORDS EVERY DAY.

THE HOME OF POETRY

His description of the Day 3 poetry prompt intrigued me:

NaPoWriMo Day 3: Find a shortish poem that you like, and rewrite each line, replacing each word (or as many words as you can) with words that mean the opposite. For example, you might turn “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” to “I won’t contrast you with a winter’s night.” 

Then Rahul shared a poem he wrote using that “Opposite” prompt: On his blog site you can see a link to the original poem.

When I am standing on the edge ⁣⁣⁣
Revelling at the vista, which the mist blurs ⁣⁣⁣
I forget the lovely image, hers, as⁣⁣⁣
She fades… fades… fades away⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Over me, joy has taken me in its veil⁣⁣⁣
More a creature of this world ⁣⁣⁣
And one less angel on the earth⁣⁣⁣
I want nothing more, nothing less⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
When I am standing on the edge ⁣⁣⁣
Revelling at the vista, which the mist blurs⁣⁣⁣
I think I recall the image, hers, again⁣⁣⁣
She passes…passes… passes by⁣⁣⁣
I want nothing less, nothing more


I picked up on Rahul’s prompt and decided to write a poem inspired by poet, Holly Haley.

The original poem: “Friendships”

Write life without friendships
And who would read it through?
Paint life without its friendships
Where is the rainbow hue?
Build life without its friendships
Who would live therein?
For friendship’s glow leads to the goal
That each of us would win.

poet: Molly A. Haley

And mine:

“Enemies”

Live life with enemies
And no one would join in
Scribble life with its enemies
And forget to add a grin.
Tear down life with its enemies
And regret the choices you choose
For death darkens your door
When you’ve no friends to lose.

Jan Beekman

Want to try your hand at this opposites poetry?
If so, I’d love to have you share it in the comments section here.
happy multiracial friends embracing on bench after basketball training
Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com
Friends are such an important part of every happy life!

On the other hand, enemies are sometimes hard to find (at least for me).
If you look at everyone through your Jesus glasses, you will see the divine in them.
You will pray for them, and you will realize that they are placed in your world to teach you.
What do your enemies teach you? Well, for one thing – they teach you what you don’t want to be!!

text in frame on wall
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com
Hmmm… what does that mean, “Front Toward Enemy”??
a massage therapist massaging a client s back
Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

You want that person at your back to be your friend, right?
When your friend says, “I’ve got your back,” what’s that mean?
To me it means, when my back is turned and someone intends to harm me,
my friend will be there to protect me.
Turning your back on your enemy can be dangerous!

How do we avoid having enemies?
Can we really live a life without them?
The PollyAnna in me says, “Of course!”

What do you think?

Just love one another!

Hugs to you,
JanBeek

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

Tag Cloud

%d bloggers like this: