Happy Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, my friends! Today’s writing prompt from JetPack asked for a suggested title for a biography should there be one written about me.
Daily writing prompt
If there was a biography about you, what would the title be?
One of my devotionals this morning was about “A Closed Door.” It used this scripture as a prompt for the commentary:
Matthew 6:6 “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees you in secret will reward you.”
There may be a need for some people to pray behind a closed door, but my favorite prayer room is up my circle staircase in our entryway to my cozy 12’x12′ “Sanctuary” where I am never alone. The Holy Spirit is alive and well up there… and the front door in that entryway always is open for you to come and join me. My life is An Open Door – an open book! If you’ve followed my blog for awhile, you know I am quite a transparent person. I have nothing to hide! And my Father is not “in secret.” He has an open door for you, too! Go – and sit with His heart – and Let Him into yours!! Open up your heart and let the Son shine in!!
If you have time, and if you can, click on this delightful children’s song below It will make you smile. It’s guaranteed to make you want to sing along, and open up your heart… the door to heart can remain open without fear if the Son shines there!
“An Open Door – a biography about Jan Beekman“ Waiting to “bee” written – someday – hah!
Meantime, let me share openly with you about this little light of mine that I always try to shine.
1 Corinthians 15:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
Today is Ash Wednesday when we begin a 40 day period of waiting with love for Easter (Lent). It is a time to reflect on the great gift of eternal life that Jesus made possible through His life and death and resurrection. May we celebrate Lent with the same fervor that we acknowledge February 14th each year as Valentine’s Day!
My dear friends, Lee & Loleta, know how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. And Bob & I celebrated Valentine’s Day early in 1962 by using that red & white, hearts & flowers theme for our wedding.
Here we are 62 years later:
Yup, still celebrating our love… with an open door to our hearts and our home.
Today we’ll get a cross of ashes on our foreheads that will symbolize our devotion to the One who brought us together and whose mercy and grace has kept us together all these years.
Yes, He prays with us He stays with us His heart is an open door Mine is, too. Is yours?
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.
I need a break from negativity!! There is too much negativity in this world. It comes in many forms and bombards us from all corners of the globe.
If we let it, the negativity, the bad news, the wars and killings, the inequalities , the catastrophes that the daily news brings into our living rooms can make us really depressed. There’s so little we can do about it!
But…
… then there are people like Bob Goff!! He is doing something about a lot of things! Do you know his book, “Love Does”? Do you know his podcasts and his life’s work? He is one of my antidotes to negativity! His positivity is contagious!!
Do you tune in to his podcasts? https://www.bobgoff.com/listen They are guaranteed to silence the negativity around you – and replace it with hope and love, motivational ideas, and positive energy. Here’s today’s podcast news:
Bob is joined by Jason, the president of BrandHaven, about the heart and process behind the “He Gets Us” campaign. The campaign aims to increase the respect and relevance of Jesus in our culture by promoting unconditional love, radical forgiveness, and confounding peace. He emphasizes the importance of being a student of faith and focusing on the biography of Jesus. Listen in for a conversation that encourages us to be students of faith, cultivating a culture of love, forgiveness, and kindness.Learn more at hegetsus.com and follow along on social media, @hegetsus.
Bob Goff is one of those positive people who has no idea how wonderful he is! His Love Does organization builds schools, educates children in impoverished countries (especially girls where there were previously no opportunities for them to get an education), distributes food to the needy, etc. etc. His voice is a song of cheer. His chuckle will make you smile. His message will inspire you. Check him out and be prepared to let his whimsical ways lift your spirit and inspire your soul to spread positivity and love, encouragement and grace to everyone you encounter!
If you could make your family and friends understand one thing, what would it be?
The prompt asked about making a pet understand. Well, we don’t have a pet right now. So, I substituted “family and friends.”
I want you all to know, “It’s never too late.”
“Too late for what?” you ask.
Well, you fill in the blank!
As a life-long Christian, I have often heard the pastor say, “Remember your baptism” on various occasions. I can’t. Or I should say, “I couldn’t!”
Not until yesterday!
My mom & sister often told me,”Yes,” when I asked, “Was I baptized?” But there are no pictures. (Mom was an avid picture taker all the time!) And there is no certificate or other written record. I find that strange.
I tried to contact the little white Methodist/Presbyterian church in California’s Central Valley where it supposedly happened, but it burned to the ground years ago … and all records with it.
So, I decided to”It’s never too late. I want to have a baptism I can remember!” At 84, you think you wanna be dunked? You bet … by my son (who recently was ordained as a minister at his church here in CA, where we are visiting this week before we head home from our month’s reprieve from Montana’s ccccold Arctic blast).
Did it take courage and commitment? Was it a hard decision? You bet! But was it important for my spiritual health!? Definitely. I wanted to be able to “remember my baptism” – feel the obedience to the Christian command, “Go, and be baptized!”
It’s never too late!
Do you remember your baptism?
It’s never too late!
Love, JanBeek
My son, Ty, with me and 2 of my great-grandchildren- See my wet head? Yup, I remember being dunked!!
Yesterday’s prompt was: What skills or lessons have you learned recently?
My answer: “It took four accidents in a three month period, but I finally got the message, I think:
SLOW DOWN
AND
LOOK
WHERE YOU’re WALKING!!”
It’ll take a lot of divine guidance, but I think I can slow down and watch! Avoid any further falls!!
How about you? What lesson have you learned recently?
Today the sermon topic was based on the Bible story of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s awe-inspiring birth of baby John (later known as John the Baptist). Zechariah learned not to doubt God’s messenger who told him that he & Elizabeth would at last have a child (they were in their later years of life… maybe as old as their 90’s).
When Zechariah doubted, he was struck dumb… unable to speak for the 9 months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. But, even though Elizabeth questioned, she accepted and believed. So, she learned that great lesson, “With God all things are possible.”
Do you suppose she was awe-struck? How could she NOT be??
I would have painted them with gray hair… but nevertheless, I love this painting of Zechariah & Elizabeth. I can only imagine how awe-struck they must have been!
What causes you to be in awe these days? Have you learned to slow down and let awe envelop you?
(If you’ve followed JanBeek for awhile, you know I love taking notes in poetry as I listen to the sermon each week). So, on that awesome topic, here’s today’s encouraging sermon delivered by Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds at our Madison Valley Presbyterian Church.
I love the size & sound & the creatures in the ocean I love climbing over the sand dunes to the beach It is sitting on the grassy knoll by the shore Knowing the salty water and waves are within reach
I love oogling at sunsets and standing in the river The world gives me reason for wonder and awe Everywhere I look, I see evidence of God’s wondrous creation Regular bouts of awe are mine – they drop my jaw!
Elizabeth’s healthy baby boy brought awe To all who saw Zechariah write and confirm “John” Entering into the world of awe raises us up Out of night’s darkness, into day’s dawn
Awe can be found every day from sunrise on If we slow down and take time to really see So don’t drown in the tedious mundane of life Intentionally seek the awe – here for you and me
Let no day go by unmarveled at Appreciate the luxury of every single day We are so blessed to be here - alive Let awe and amazement be yours today
Be the #1 Marvelor today! Love and be loved – feel the pull That helps you notice all in awe Change awful to awe-full!!
Awe-men?
It may have been awful to be unable to speak for nine months. But, I’ll bet Zechariah learned new lessons every day as he watched Elizabeth grow large with child …. and as he marvelled at how amazing this turn of unbelievable events was!
Find something to marvel at today! Learn something new.
In a world filled with war and hate I can shine a light of love from me In a world filled with animosity and division I can shine a light of unity
In a world filled with hopelessness and despair I can lift the light of hopefulness In a world filled with fear and worry I can shine a light of faithfulness
I can be a light in the darkness Because the love of Christ shines through The grim shadows of despair And that light also is in you
As a wonderful God-created child You are part of a magnificent whole So let that Spirit buried in you Shine forth from your blessed soul
Your light shines from your creator Just as mine sparkles brightly, too So fill this world with the light of love Let’s let Love’s Light shine from me and 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.”
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18
Today’s post was inspired by an entry in All God’s Creatures, a Guideposts publication. Shirley Raye Redmond wrote a commentary titled, “Keep Growing” for the November 27 entry.
She ended her thoughts with this quote by Oswald Chambers:
“Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of years, but by obedience to the will of God.”
Isn’t it interesting that when I search for photos related to obedience, the pictures all are of dogs? Not us human beings. No, the word conjures up obedient dogs! Would that we could be as responsive to discipline as a dog is! Or as committed to growth as a lobster!
Bee like a lobster Or a dog – Committed and Obedient…
In my devotional yesterday, “All God’s Creatures” by Guideposts, the writer, Jerusha Agen, reminded me of the importance that unconditional love be exhibited. She wrote about “Simon’s Love” telling about a cat who acted like a dog.
Jerusha’s favorite pet had died. It was the first time in her life She was without a dog to cuddle. But her cat took away the strife.
Her cat started acting like a dog, Meeting her at the door when she got home, And sitting in her lap to comfort her. Letting her brush him with a comb!
Her cat, Simon, knew to mourn with her. Simon seemed to know what she needed. In grief, Jerushah had been neglecting him, But Simon forgave that sin; with joy conceded.
“Rejoice and mourn with others, According to what they need,” Jerusha wrote to her readers. Ask Bob for forgiveness – with speed!
I’ll ask God to help me be more Loving and responsive to Bob. Help me with my impatience, Lord. Help me show genuine love to my heart-throb!
1959
Here’s my heart-throb when I met him He was in the army at the time. Happy Veteran’s Day on Saturday. Ours is a long-term love sublime.
That doesn’t mean we don’t argue Or make each other mad at times. But, God tells us sinners to forgive… Just as He does – ALWAYS, not just sometimes!
You can probably relate to my “Faux Pas” – You’ve probably blundered some, too. But, God is calling us sinners: Let love fill the dog-shaped void in you!
Let forgiveness be your guiding star, Since we all forget to be compassionate – ’tis true. I’ll look for ways to show love like Simon. And God’s calling you, my dear sinner, too!!
