Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Archive for the ‘Living in Christ’s Family’ Category

Easter Week

This is Easter week
Each day’s a time to seek
Greater understanding of the death
And resurrection. Take a peek!

A peek at the message clear
That resonates throughout the year
About the joy and love we share
Living Christ’s legacy here.

Last Sunday’s sermon spoke
To all the tuned-in folk
I took notes (as I always do)
I am tethered to the Lord’s yoke.

The message really resonated with me.
Thank you, Brian Conklin, for your sermon’s artistry.
I hope my readers find it impactful, too.
Here it is for you, my friends, to see:

He is Risen, Indeed!

There are moments in life
When everything changes
Easter Sunday may have been
One of them for the disciples.

Climbing a mountain Easter morning
Was one of those moments – a struggle.
Reaching the summit, I could look down
The town below me was washed in sun.

The hope of a new year dawned
A dark, challenging climb gave way
To a carpet of wildflowers –
The sun washed over me, too.

Today God has opened a way for me.
He has created a turning point:
Death does not have the final word –
The empty tomb brings a transformation.

Jesus’ followers went from hope
To a time of fear and confusion.
Doubting, lives torn apart, they hid.
Weeping, they gathered in the Upper Room.

They didn’t believe the women who told them
“He has been revived! He’s alive!”
But when Jesus joined the disciples
And broke bread with them, they believed.

Do we believe or is it too dark?
Do we have unanswered questions?
Christ brings hope and transformation.
Believe! Step out! Death has lost its sting.

Amen?

… and love… every day!!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Faith, holidays, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love, sermon notes, writing

Tagged with:

Holy Saturday

I asked AI for a picture of Jesus in the tomb.
No, AI, Jesus was not lying in the tomb with his eyes open!
So much for artificial intelligence!

We know He was crucified.
We know Nicodemus was one of two men who prepared his body for burial.

John 19:39 – “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.”
John 19:40 – “Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.”

Today, known as Holy Saturday, also sometimes referred to as “Silent Saturday” is a day when His followers were stunned by His death on the cross. Puzzled by the way the Man they expected to save them was suddenly gone… and in such a cruel way.

We, too, would be puzzled if we didn’t know “The Rest of the Story.” The ladies went the next morning to the tomb. Not sure what they expected to see, but it definitely was not an empty place where Jesus had been laid! Imagine their surprise!

We can endure Good Friday and Holy (Silent) Saturday because we know.
We know He is risen indeed! Happy Easter, my friends! Tomorrow we celebrate!
Sure, we’ll see a lot of bunnies and Easter eggs and we’ll wonder if they have the whole picture.
We’ll wonder if that bunny is a distraction or a blessing. Think about a few ideas that make the idea of Easter bunnies and eggs OK:
1) Bunnies are prolific – alive and lovable. (Well that’s a stretch!)
2) Eggs are a symbol of new life… and one of those plastic Easter eggs empty can symbolize the empty tomb.
3) See the meme below:

What is your mood this “Holy Saturday”?
How are you feeling about the Easter egg hunts and the focus on the bunny?

I pray your Holy Saturday was a time of quiet meditation…
A time to focus on why Jesus had to die
And what His death means for us all.
Without tomorrow, without the resurrection,
He’d just be another forgotten martyr.
But, He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter, my friends.
God bless you!
Love,
JanBeek

img_3594

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, holidays, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love

Tagged with:

Remembering Mona

This week my dear friend, Mona Durham, age 96,
died peacefully with her family gathered round.

img_3934-1

Mona’s family and the leadership team of our church
decorated the sanctuary and fellowship hall beautifully
for her memorial service today.

Her ashes, in a container under the purple cloth,
were sent into the hands of God
as Jesus and St. Peter must surely
have welcomed her into heaven.
She was a True Believer.

The floral arrangements were spectacular.

There was a beautiful display of photos
depicting Mona with many of her beloved family.
She had four children and seven grandchildren.
Four of the grandkids shared stories about how her life
impacted theirs in such loving, meaningful, lasting ways.

I took notes (as is my habit) as I listened to their stories.
Here are my notes:



Mona Durham’s was a 96 year life well lived.
She lived heartily loving and laughing;
Tough, fair, sarcastic, always available,
Humble, reliable, stable, and always hospitable.

Mona wasn’t delicate or sheltered.
The last of three daughters, she was the son…
The son her dad never had! How he loved her!
Oh how she loved him, others, and this Madison Valley!

She was a woman of grit and grace, loyal and hardworking.
Volunteered with church, History museum, blood draws,
Elections, Women’s Club & Cattle Women’s Association.
Her later years were less busy, but never less purposeful.

She gave her life to quietly helping others.
Her strength, honesty, love, and strong values
Were the glue that held the family together.
Also the fact that she always had fresh cookies!

Mona’s strength was grounded and rooted.
Her faith was deep, honest and clear.
She carried struggles quietly with endurance.
Her life will endure in each of us who loved her.

Following the service, there was a time of fellowship with beautiful trays of meats and cheeses (prepared by Deemo’s in Ennis).

Deemo’s also prepared this beautiful, tasty tray of veggies.

The family extended a special thank you to the caregivers at Home Park and Madison Valley Manor for the dignity, kindness, and care they showed Ramona in her final years. In lieu of flowers, they asked that donations be made to Madison Valley Historical Museum (where Mona was a faithful, treasured volunteer) or Bear Creek Schoolhouse (where she attended 1st to 4th grade and then later volunteered to help with fundraisers to maintain it – and organized pinochle parties every March). She loved playing cards, doing 500 – 1000 piece puzzles, and keeping in touch always with her family and friends. She will be sorely missed by us all!

Mona’s smile was infectious!

Mona’s granddaughter, Tori,
summed up what most of her family
would agree was an important take-away:


“I see so clearly that her impact
isn’t simple or singular, it’s generational.
What she has given us goes far beyond memories,
she’s given us a way of living.”

“She never once told me how to live,
but she sure as hell has shown me!”


Your shared love inspires us
to pass it on.
Thank you, Mona.

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

children, Faith, Family, flowers, food, God, Life and Death, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Memories, relationships, Serving One Another

Tagged with:

What Do You Seek?

Photo by icon0.com on Pexels.com

{{{Donna}}} posted this on her blog 6 years ago at https://thefathersfeet.wordpress.com/ She quoted Matthew … and I decided to repost this today to follow up on my post from yesterday where I explored the subject of seeking happiness. What are you seeking? {{{Donna}}} chose this:

Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. … Each day has enough trouble of its own… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live … So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. … “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”

I asked Donna, “Do you know that song?”
She replied, “I do!” and then she sent me the song she was singing.

Here’s the one I was singing:

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…”

Here I am up in my sanctuary…
early morning squished head!!

What is it you seek?
Is it the Kingdom of God?
Let’s pursue God first.

What are “all these things”? The scripture was referring to food and clothing… the basics… and reminding us how God takes care of the birds and the lilies of the field.

When I pursue the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,
I am seeking His wisdom.
I am seeking the peace that only He can give.
I am seeking understanding
and the deep compassion
that God’s Son taught us.
I am seeking to exemplify His love ❤️
and the joy that comes with Trust in His Promises.
🙏🏽 I seek His righteousness
so that I may exhibit greater patience,
kindness,
gentleness,
and goodness.

Seek Ye first the kingdom of God … and all these things will be given unto you.

Jesus prays with me each day!

Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,
so that you may discern what is the will of God –
what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Pray for discernment
I love the Lord’s perfect will
Freckles and lashes!!

SnapChat can do wonders!

Hah!!

Do not let the world
Trick you into seeking pride –
It’s a dead-end street.

Do not let the world
Trick you into seeking wealth –
Not in hoarded coins.

Do not let the world
Tell you what to dream about –
Look in God’s Word.

Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

Let the Son set you free.
You shall know the Truth
And the Truth shall set you free.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
In all your ways acknowledge Him.

I pray for you, my friend…
For your health, happiness, safety,
And for God to guide you in His Way.


God bless you!
See you tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Haiku, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, truth

Tagged with:

Keep the Faith

Today’s message of hope was revealed
Through the scriptures with deep joy
And peace that passeth understanding:
Do not become withdrawn or discouraged.

Keep the faith, reach out and serve.
Set down what isn’t yours and pick up what is.
Love those around you; lift others up.
Psalm 27:1, 5 spoke to me today.

Psalms 27 of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?

5 For in the day of trouble

He will keep me safe in His dwelling;

He will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

and set me high upon a rock…

We are called to leave what was …

Leave that over which we have no control.

Step out into a great light and rejoice –

Bring gladness into your new, uplifting role.

Keep the faith and walk in the light;

Spread hope and joy and gladness everywhere.

Be so positive and helpful and vibrant

That your faith and light give out hope to spare!

In Hope and Faith and Love,
JanBeek

img_3347

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, Living in Christ's Family, Love, optimism, Poetry

Tagged with:

King Sunday

What does it mean to have a date in the church called King Sunday?

When I googled it, I learned, “Though the date is variable, Christ the King always occurs in late November. This is especially providential in America, where elections happen in early November. After the long drama of election season, both winners and losers are reminded that Christ is the true King, and that his rules will ultimately judge all human authorities.”

It went on to say, “In the Presbyterian Churches, such as the Presbyterian Church (USA), at the Feast of Christ the King (Feast of the Reign of Christ) “the church gives thanks and praise for sovereignty of Christ, who is Lord of all creation and is coming again in glory to reign (see Revelation 1:4-8)…”

With that in mind, our sermon today at Madison Valley Presbyterian Church explored the life of Christ and how we interpret the Kingship of Jesus in today’s world. Here are my sermon notes:

This is the beginning
Of Advent season.
We get caught up
In the season’s reason.

Yet as we move
Into the humble life
Of Jesus, we see
A family facing strife.

Luke tells us of Jesus’
Arrival at Golgotha Hill
And he asks us to look
At the Truth – and be still.

Jesus (King of the Jews) was handed over
To face death on the cross.
Some people want to pass by
That time of pain and loss.

We want to skip the crucifixion
And go from Virgin Birth
To Christ’s ministry and then
His ascension from this earth.

But during this time of year,
We need to embrace the season
Of Christ the King’s ministry
And see Jesus’ life’s reason.

Why was Jesus condemned
When His was a life of love?
He extended grace to all
Who believe He was God above.

He was superior to all creation
And He lived a life of peace.
We need to align ourselves with
Jesus’ teachings. He’s in our reach!

As people of faith, we must
Reflect Christ’s justice and grace.
Christ died to redeem us –
Us believers who will see His face.

Endure – because Christ the King promised
We will be with Him in Paradise.
Pray for justice for all – Turn from evil,
Accept His enduring Faith – and be nice!!

Amen?

I hope your Christ the King Sunday was a blessed one!
Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love, peace, sermon notes

Tagged with:

Holding On to Hope

The inspired, hopeful scripture
and another inspirational Sunday sermon
from our dear Interim Pastor,
Brian Conklin,
yesterday at
Madison Valley Presbyterian Church

The Glorious New Creation

17 For I am about to create new heavens
    and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
    or come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever
    in what I am creating,
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy
    and its people as a delight.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem
    and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it
    or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it
    an infant who lives but a few days
    or an old person who does not live out a lifetime,
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
    and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
    they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
    they shall not plant and another eat,
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
    and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain
    or bear children for calamity,[a]
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
    and their descendants as well.
24 Before they call I will answer,
    while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together;
    the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
    but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain,
            says the Lord.

The world seems very fragile
Seems everything’s falling apart
Between despair and hope we are
Wondering how to take heart

Promises and warnings go hand in hand
Isaiah speaks of a new world beginning
He promises the Kingdom has arrived
But Luke reports Jesus’ warnings of sinning

Luke 21:5-19
NRSV Updated Edition

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”

Signs and Persecutions

7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’[a] and, ‘The time is near!’[b] Do not go after them.

9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15 for I will give you words[c] and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Jesus tells of a world that trembles
He encourages us to stand and endure
“By your endurance you will save your soul”
Dig deep into your heart and persevere

We’re caught between joy and sorrow
We’re asked to trust God even when we
Can’t see evidence of His promises
The Kingdom of God is now and not yet to see

Where you see the church planted, you see
Signposts that point to the kingdom to come
God’s love wins out over human nature
So keep speaking peace over poverty and slum

God’s love holds us together when we feel
The world is falling apart at the seams
May we see even now glimpses of this
New Heaven and New Earth – and know what it means.

Amen?

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Living in Christ's Family, optimism, Poetry, sermon notes

Tagged with:

In the Shadow…

Ps. 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings

The smiling face below belongs to our interim pastor, Brian Conklin, who delivered a beautiful sermon Sunday inspired by the prayer of David found in Psalm 17. I posted my sermon notes here and then (while messing around on WordPress on my phone), I accidentally erased the post. Some of my friends saw it before the mishap, I hope. Anyway… heeeeeere’s Brian…

And heeeere’s “A prayer of David”

1 Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
    listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer—
    it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from you;
    may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart,
    though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil;
    my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me,
    I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
    through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
    my feet have not stumbled.

6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
    from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Heaven knows, I need to be one of those protected chicks under “the shadow of your wings!”

Can’t redo what I lost… Need to get to bed.
Oh well…

See ya tomorrow. It’ll be a better day.

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Montana, Poetry, sermon notes, writing

Tagged with:

Finishing Well

Run the race with grace
So you know you’re finishing well
Goal: the finish line!

Today’s sermon at church was titled, “Running the Race”
But the main topic of interest was “Finishing Well.”
So my sermon notes today reflect that focus.
Come and read the highlights as I heard and recorded them:

2nd Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
“6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing… 16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Why do people run? Pain, elation,
Personal challenge, delirium…
Concentrate on how far you’ve come
Rather than on where you’ve been.

Feeling stiff and in pain, but knowing
I have the ability to endure hard things
Gives me the ability to show up for myself
So I can therefore show up for others.

Let’s end our journey with peace in our hearts
Knowing we have run the race well.
The Lord stood by us, gave us strength
And gave us perseverance as we served with trust.

Serving in faith, fighting the good fight
For mercy, for love… We often stand alone.
Feeling lonely and isolated in life’s race,
We reach out in ministry to others.

Christ calls us to run the race in faith.
Faith transforms us in our disappointments
Into opportunities of grace and hope.
So finish the race with faithfulness.

See through the things we’ve started
With integrity, keeping the faith through change.
The glory of your finish will last forever.
Run the race… and finish well.

Amen?

Love to you – and best wishes for a race well done!
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Poetry, sermon notes, Serving One Another, writing

Tagged with:

I Can TRUST

Three out of four of the devotionals I read yesterday and today had the word TRUST as one of the main topics. Everytime I see the word trust, I draw a rectangle around it and affirm, “I Can Trust.” Today I decided to write about TRUST in my journal, “I Can and I Will, Watch Me.” My mind just thought about it in a Haiku format. Here’s what the result was:

I CAN Trust

I know I can trust –
The world may feel chaotic,
But I reclaim peace.

Unsettling events,
An unknown future,
Don’t define my mood.

I am claiming peace.
I see where my power lies:
It’s trusting in God.

What I want in life,
Peace, love, joy, kindness and faith,
Are mine when I trust.

I know I can trust
In the Ruler of my heart
To heal what’s broken.

Heal the world’s chaos,
Bring back Unity for all.
I can trust my God!

Thinking of you and sending love your way.
Trusting Him to guide you and me through the storms of life.
What storms are you facing?

Thanks for visiting…
JanBeek

Category:

Faith, God, Haiku, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, optimism, Poetry, truth

Tagged with: