Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Archive for the ‘Life’s Challenges’ Category

Two Letter Words


There are useful words

Important to remember

When appropriate

OK and GO

AW

UM

We

Ah

Us

But the most important two letter word is

NO!

I say it, but not often enough. How about you?

How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

God is My Gizzard!


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.

https://janbeek.blog/2020/07/20/god-is-my-gizzard/

Have a Happy Week!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Got Wisdom?


Photo by Jean van der Meulen on Pexels.com

They talk about the wise old owl –
But is he really wise?
He looks menacing to me –
Just take a gander at his eyes!

Did God make some birds wiser
Than the rest of birds and folks?
I know He made some funnier –
Some share the greatest jokes!

Animals do the darndest things –
You know God made them smart.
Where do humans get such wisdom?
Where do we go for a start?

The Bible is full of ideas
for finding wisdom and where.
I think a lot of different books
Suggest that wisdom’s there.

You can search the shelves forever
And find words to the wise, for sure.
But if you want to GAIN that wisdom,
Go first to the Book that’s pure.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

No, it doesn’t take a lot of searching.
The Book is the most ever sold.
Every word in it is God breathed –
It’s the wisest story ever told.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

James 3:17-18

“But the wisdom
that comes from heaven
is first of all
* pure, then
* peace-loving,
* considerate,
* submissive,
* full of mercy, and
* good fruit,
* impartial, and
* sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in
peace raise a harvest
of righteousness.”

Righteousness = free from guilt or sin; justifiable; genuine & excellent.

Hah! There are Bible coloring books,
But they are for beginners who want to start
Getting used to those Bible stories
Before taking them to heart.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

If you want an apple from the Teacher,
Don’t search Google for the book.
Just go to your own Bible, my friends.
You’ll find wisdom there, if you look.

Don’t let it sit upon the shelf
Gathering cobwebs, dust and dirt.
Take it down, dust it off, and read.
Gaining a little more wisdom never hurt!

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Kristyn Getty has such a pure and sweet voice.
The words to this song are wise indeed.
I hope you’ll take time to listen and enjoy.
Gaining God’s wisdom is an every day need.

God bless you, dear friends.
May His wisdom increase in you every day.
May you dress yourself daily in His strength!

Sending you love, hugs, and best wishes
for a happy, healthy, and wise Friday.

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

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😍

Didja Miss Me?


I’ve been off screen, resting my eyes after cataract surgery.

First the right eye – cataracts removed and new lens inserted.

Then celebrated by enjoying dinner at Sweet Chili’s
and staying the night at C’mon Inn in Bozeman.
God is good. No pain involved 👌🏽❤️

Dilated pupil made vision blurry,
but I was assured this would be short-lived.
Give it time!

Then on Thursday Dr. Swan removed the cataracts on the left eye
and replaced that lens. It’s a simple procedure.
Once you’re in the operating room,
it only takes about 15 minutes.
Amazing!!

Back home in Ennis, Montana,
snow and wind stopped,
but temperatures were below freezing.
So, it was a good time to just hunker down and relax.
Let the eyes heal –
and avoid reading, screen time,
and bright lights.
Tough assignment!

Enlarged pupil… weird!
Oh my… Wild Woman!!

That was yesterday – day # 1 after surgery.
Today the pupils look more normal, but my vision still is blurry –
and I’m s’posed to be patient as I allow healing ❤️‍🩹
And stay off screen time!

So good-bye for now.
I’m outta here!

Have you ever had this procedure done?
If so, what were your results?

I’ll catch up with your posts
on WordPress and FaceBook
when it’s safe to do so.

Meantime,
bee 🐝 well –
and
bee 🐝 happy.

God bless you!

My neighborhood deer are keeping me company.
So blessed to be living in God’s Country!

Bob says,
“Chase them away!
They’re munching on my trees!!”

Hey, they were here first!
We are invading their space.
Right?

Actually, life is pretty good.
I am counting my blessings. Are you?

Blessed to have Bob’s support and company.
Count your blessings, my friends.
I know you have lots for which to be grateful.

Love ya…
Sending hugs
from
JanBeek

I Surrender


On this Ash Wednesday:

I surrender all to Jesus
I give Him all I’ve got
It all came from God anyway
He owns all I’ve bought

He made me heart and soul
He made me flesh and blood
He gave me all I own
He made me from dust and mud

And now as we enter Lent
(The forty days before Christ’s death)
May I renew and affirm today
That I surrender to Him my every breath.

We are snowed in today.
The storm is ferocious!
It’s below zero out there
and my house is cold, too.
Heater can’t keep up with the need!

So, hunker down,
stay inside,
cuddle up,
and
keep each other warm.

God bless you
as you join me…
Surrender to our Maker –
and ask Him to ease up on us –
OK?

Sheesh!
Enough already!!

Love ya,
JanBeek

Being Human


“Humans don’t always know how to be human.”
That was the sentence that caught my attention
In last Sunday’s sermon about love.
Is loving one another our sincere intention?

Most of us know the Bible’s definition;
We’ve heard the scripture countless times.
But reading it, saying it, and doing it
Aren’t the same – not even sometimes.

Mary Grace Reynolds took the topic
Of love on Super Bowl Sunday
(The week of Valentine’s Day)
And related it to a movie and play.

The movie was “Remember the Titans.”
The play was football and dance.
Some newly integrated football players
Were brought together by chance.

Photo by football wife on Pexels.com


On the football field they never joined
Together and danced as one.
During practice their coach
Sent the players out on a run.

The coach stopped them at
Gettysburg – a place of war –
A place where 50,000 men died
Fighting the fight we’ve fought before.

Take a lesson from the dead;
Come together on hallowed ground.
Learn to play in harmony.
Set aside prejudice; let oneness be found.

Push yourself aside for the good
Of the whole – learn to love.
Display the honest hope and possibilities
Born of God – born to hug and not shove.

The Galatians had the same problem –
Fighting, arguing, not loving.
Paul wrote a letter to them,
Encouraging huddling, not shoving!

Galatians 3:19-29

Paul says we are wearing the identity of Christ
and while we come from difference,
and difference is beauty.
We are nothing except Christians

Galatians 5

Like the Titans, we have to change our actions and attitudes.
We have to put on the uniform and come ready to win.
Recognize we as the players need one another.
Remember we are the players,
not the coach.

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Come ready to play the game
Of patience forgiveness, and love,
Do not be a slave to estrangement.
Take coaching from our God above.

Faith working through love frees us –
So be careful you don’t get eaten up
By the ways we differ – find unity.
Play to win – not to get beaten up!

Let God teach us to be human.
Christ is our coach – always!
He made us to play together in peace.
Let’s claim that identity and give God the praise.

Amen?

You will know I am human –
You will know I was made by God
to love you and guard your dignity
by my love!

Love to you…
and hugs in unity
from
JanBeek

Let’s Laugh!


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!


See ya tomorrow.

Love & Hugs,
JanBeek

Tag Cloud

%d bloggers like this: