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Archive for the ‘children’ Category

Lessons Learned

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.

Tell me about it.

Hugs,
JanBeek

No more falls!!

Recommended Books

Today’s prompt was:
What book are you reading right now?

Haha!! No, I’m not isolated…
And no, I didn’t color three books…
Only two!!

person coloring art with crayons
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

No, seriously,
The question should have been “What bookS…”
I can never limit myself to just one at a time!
I love reading!

So, what bookS am I currently reading?
Let me list a few:

  1. The Bible (always … daily)
  2. Devotionals that help me understand better and apply the Bible lessons to my life:
    a. In Touch by Charles Stanley
    b. Ever Faithful by David Jeremiah
    c. Mornings with Jesus and Walking in Grace and Strength & Grace by Guideposts
    d. Today in the Word by Moody Bible Institute
    e. These Days by Presbyterian Publishing Corp.
  3. The Last Caretaker: A Novel by Jessica Strawser

I have Jessica Strawser’s book on my Kindle reader. I prefer having a paperback or better yet, the hardcover book, but Kindle books are so affordable – – – and I can enlarge the print to make deciphering easier. So I am getting used to reading from my laptop. The Last CareTaker is a gripping story about a lady who agrees to be the caretaker at a remote nature preserve, but finds herself in the throes of a secretive shelter for battered, abused, and at-risk women. I’m enjoying it.

How about you? What bookS are you reading right now?

Bye for now…
I’m off to read some more.

(Oh, and by the way,
Happy Birthday to my mom.
11-15-15
Elizabeth (Betty)Totten DeAngeles
She would have been 108 today!)

Here we are when I was about 2 or 3.
Quite the hairdo, huh?
Sweet!

Love,
JanBeek

Lost: Triumphant Scars

One should not lose sleep over lost blogs, right?
But here I am … sleepless in Montana … feeling very disgruntled.
I wrote this blog titled “Triumphant Scars” and posted it, but then I received a notice that the draft was not posted. I knew I had finished and posted it… and many of you dear readers left lovely comments.
So, I deleted the unfinished draft. Figured I didn’t need it.

Well, my friends, if you have both JetPack and WordPress, BEWARE!!

JetPack did not acknowledge the completed post, and when I erased the draft, I lost the post.
Does that make sense? No!!
Below is all that is left of my carefully crafted post about Eli and his “Triumphant Scars.“

…He showed them [scars on] His hands and sides.
Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”

John 20:20

X

X

X

Those x’s are what I put in to save room for text when I went from my phone (where I started the post because that’s where the pictures were) to my laptop where I completed the entry. I used lovely illustrations of why Eli’s scars (and yours and mine, too) are triumphant by quoting a very thoughtful and inspiring commentary in Guideposts “Mornings With Jesus.”

The bottom line: Jesus’ scars on his hands, feet and sides are proof of healing. His death and resurrection allows us, His followers, to be healed of our sins and look forward to eternity. Our scars, both the visible and the invisible ones, are proof of our healing, too. They are Triumphant Scars. That was the message.

Alas, I discovered when I deleted the draft in JetPack, I also deleted my finished post and the only thing I could retrieve in “Trash” was what you see above, the scripture, the photos and the x’s. Do any of you dear readers have any advice for me? I am so disgruntled that I’ve taken a break from blogging since then. Did you miss me? I need to get out of this funk.

Th good news is: Eli is home and recuperating from his surgery. His mom & dad and three sisters are in my daily prayers along with his grandma, Donna (whose blog, “The Father’s Feet” is where I met Eli). I hope you are continuing to pray for Eli, too.

This has been a miserable way to learn “Do Not Delete it when JetPack says your published WordPress post is still in draft form.” I’ve gotta get outta this funk and back to my positive self spreading love, joy, peace, faith and unity on JanBeek. And I’ve gotta get some sleep. This is no way to live.

Grrrrr!

I’ll be OK.

Hugs,
JanBeek

Valued Trait

Today’s prompt on WordPress was:
What’s the trait you value most about yourself?

Each of us is given special gifts.
The trick is to recognize yours.
When you find it, then
make it your favorite trait.

And use it to the fullest!

This scripture is one of my favorites…
and it reveals a trait I cherish:

Hebrews 13:2

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for by this some have entertained angels
without knowing it.”

My special gift is hospitality.
I love having family and friends
come to spend time with us.
Here is our dear 1980-81 AFS son,
Christian Zufferey (ZuZu), from Switzerland.
No, he’s no stranger to us!!

(Our DeAna married his first cousin!!
What a love story that is!)

This week DeAna, and her hubby, Andre’
surprised us by arriving with ZuZu
and his wife, Celia, for a four day stay.
Here they are this morning… leaving us (boo-hoo!)

But, we were blessed to have them
come and spend those days
(just not nearly long enough) –
and to have Chef Andre’ prepare great meals!

How wonderful it was also
to have our grandson, Mike,
and his wife, Tania, with us for a week
this month. They were so helpful!!

Now this hospitality business
would have a full opportunity
to be put into practice IF our son
Ty & his wife, Monika, would come!

The good news is that Peter,
one of Bob’s wrestling students
from back in the 1970’s in CA,
will be joining us in October for awhile.
Yay!

Why don’t you consider
Letting me use my favorite trait,
HOSPITALITY,
On you one of these days?

What’s your special gift – your favorite trait?

Love to you,
JanBeek

What’s in a Name?

Daily writing prompt
Where did your name come from?

Names are funny things
They help to define us
Our parents named us
Without a lot of fuss

Did they realize
When they made their choice
That the name they chose
Would give us a life-long voice?

My parents chose Janet
She was an actress superb
First female Academy Award Winner
My name is indeed a verb

Janet is a lady of action
The name means “God’s Gift”
It comes with a lotta ham
“Jan” is quite an audacious lift!

So, what’s in YOUR name?
Did your parents tell you why
They gave you the handle they did?
Does it make you bold or shy?

Mine gave me permission
To climb up on the stage
Janet Gaynor was her name
She was quite the rage!

(Back in 1939 that is! Hah!)

Tell me your name’s story.
Thanks for checking out
JanBeek today
Give your name’s sake a shout!!

Marvelous Montana Morning

It was a marvelous Montana morning.
The sun wasn’t up yet, but the doves were.
They cooed and wooed and greeted the day.
I was happy to be up before the sun.

Note the puddle on the rock there.
It rained a little last night.
Everything is so fresh and green.
Welcome to Terrific Tuesday!

As the sky brightened, so did my spirits.
Looking at the purple mountain majesty,
How could anyone not be happy here?
Montana is such a beautiful place to be.

Good morning, sweet Montana sunrise.
Thank you, Lord, for another day;
A day to rejoice and be glad in it,
A day to sing God’s praises….

Sing along with me and the children:

Have a Terrific Tuesday!
How will you celebrate life today?

Sending my love,
JanBeek

Expressing Gratitude

Today’s prompt was:
How do you express your gratitude?

Whenever I feel grateful
Which is certainly most of the time
I cheerfully, freely express it
Often in cards I write in rhyme

I’m grateful for the animals
That come and rest in our space
But when they eat branches or flowers
I shoo them off – give them chase!

I thank God for our sunsets
That reflect on the mountains east
The beauty of their presence
Is for my eyes a heavenly feast!

I express to our sweet visitors
Who came from Switzerland to here
How much we enjoy their presence
Creating memories so dear

Here they are on the Madison
Fishing with Bob on the shore
The peacefulness and the beauty,
Made up for no catches, zero score

Our hostess was Fran, the musician
Who entertained us with lunch and a song
We thanked her with hugs and elation
With such beauty, what could go wrong?

I thank God for USA’s freedom
For the way we celebrate each year
Parades, the rodeo, barbecues… what a crowd
All came to see the bronc riders and to cheer

Our Swiss guest, Laszlo, really caught the mood
Donning a cowboy hat, he weathered the rain
He enjoyed all the cowboys and cowgirls
Watched many get bucked off- lose the rein

Saskia smiled at the chance to be here
Their first USA trip – They chose this Montana spot
I’m expressing my gratitude for their visit
And thanking God for perfect weather -not too hot!

Of course, you can count on huge crowds
On Independence Day every year
The parade is the main attraction
Literally thousands come to view and to cheer

Horses are plentiful, some large, some small
And the floats are the old fashioned type
Throwing candy, waving flags, squirting water,
They live up to all the hype!

The Bible says:

“Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”

1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18 (NIV)

If you’ve gotten out of the habit of being thankful, it’s time to get back into spiritual shape. Every morning, as soon as the alarm goes off (or you wake up on your own… this side of the grass), make a habit of thanking God for a new day — and ask Him for guidance as you embark on new victories and challenges in the hours ahead.

We began our day at the nursing home
Grateful we could help the residents out
Pushed them in their wheel chairs
Where they could hear the crowds shout

We thanked Madison Valley Manor
For placing a row of chairs at road’s side
We had first class seating to view
All the cars, horses, floats… want a ride?

Back home we were treated
To our own neighborhood parade & song
The neighbors’ grandkids rode their bikes
“Happy Birthday, Uncle Sam!” Sing along!

How do you express your gratitude
When you are overwhelmed with glee?
I wish you could have been here
To say Thanks to the kids with me!

Thank you for the daily prompt
That encourages me to write
I don’t get at it every day, but often…
You inspire my muse’s light!

How do you express your gratitude
To those who touch your heart
I hope you do it daily & often –
If not, now’s a good time to start!

Thanks for visiting
JanBeek

(Happy Independence Day!
and
Happy Birthday to our pastor,
Mary Grace Reynolds,

28 today!
Hooray!)

I’m grateful for her
presence in our lives!

God bless you, MGR!!

July 4 in Ennis, MT

This coming week is a big one in Ennis, MT. People come from all around to enjoy:
1) the Fireman’s Pancake breakfast 7:-10:am at the FireHall,
2) the old fashioned (step back 50 years) parade at 10:00 am,
3) a walk around our quaint little town for a couple hours,
4) the Lion’s Club BBQ at Lion’s Club Park at noon, and
5) the rodeo at 4:00 PM … or is it later? (there’s also one the night of the 3rd)

Here are a few pictures from years past to help you see what a great set of events it is:


The parade is an event not to be missed!

The rodeo is always fun!

I love the way little kids dress up for the holiday!
The adults go all out, too!

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Fortunately, this year we don’t have to wear face masks!

The Boy Scouts, the 4-H Club,
various churches, the Lion’s Club,
cowboys, and our school kids
all join in the fun!

This year, I will again
help the folks
in our nursing home
(the Manor)
get front row seats
on the parade route.

Come to Ennis this week!
Enjoy the festivities!
I wish our daughters
could be here again this year.
Alas, they’re too far away!

DeDe & Laina,
we’ll miss you!

Ray Easter will be in the parade
with his pristine old convertible!
Look for him!!

Of course, little kids on their ponies
must always be a part of the fun!

Carts, dogs, clowns, fire trucks…
you name it! They’ll all be there!

Will we see you?
I hope so!!

You’ll love our little town!!

And our neighborhood celebrates, too!

I send my Love to you,
JanBeek

Wonderful People

I so love people
And I really need people
More as I’m aging

Certain things I do
I can do all by myself
If I remember

Other things I need
Someone’s help to accomplish
Like cleaning my house

a person cleaning a toilet bowl
Photo by Liliana Drew on Pexels.com

Toilets are the worst
And the most necessary
What’s the worst for you?

Bob says it’s weeding
He loves having help for that
Wonderful helpers

Wonderful helpers
Worked in the back yard with Bob
Priceless dear family

Wonderful Janet
Came to help today
Priceless kind neighbor

Make sure blood pressure
Is an accurate measure
Bob needed her help

Learning to request
And accept the help you need
Is not a “Guy Thing!”

Set aside ego
Admit you can’t do it all
It’s OK to ask

We all need each other!

It’s not so easy
To admit we need some help
Even for children

Our great-granddaughter
Needs help learning what to eat
Blocks are not the best!

But it’s not her fault
She just doesn’t know better
Wonderful folks teach

But not all folks learn
Oi, some adults still eat blocks
Or equivalents

Wonderful people
Never stop trying to teach
Always offer hope

Wonderful people
Tell us of HOPE’s origin
They are Living Hope!

Who are your true friends?
Who are the wonderful folks
Who’ve left their footprints?

Be sure to reach out
Tell them how much you love them
Yes, do it today!

So, “Thank you, Laina!”

And thank you, Jodie & Melissa!
You’re wonderful!

Love,
JanBeek

He is the One!

Robert E’s the One🥰

Oh, he stole my heart away ♥️

I’m so very blessed 😇

Happy Father’s Day 🥳

I thank God for who you are 😀

For your precious love ❤️

Bob & I met in the summer of 1958 at a hometown dance.
We had many mutual friends because
he came from his little town of Hughson, CA
in to the bigger town of Turlock (about 15 miles)
to church every Sunday.
I didn’t go to that same church,
so I didn’t meet him while I was in high school.

That summer after my freshman year in college,
I returned home to Turlock
and attended a dance at the War Memorial building.
It seems like all our mutual friends
decided it was time for us to meet.

“Fine to meetcha!”
he would say each time we were introduced.
“What did you say your name is?”

It took two weeks after that introductory dance
for him to call and ask me out.
And it was three and a half years later
when I was graduated and teaching,
and he was stationed at an army base in Germany,
that we married and I went to Wurzburg to join him.

Here’s the guy I fell in love with in 1959

I don’t have a photo here of us in Germany, but it was a magical 9 months. I got a job teaching on the army base … a darling first grade. And when we returned to the states, I resumed my teaching career and Bob finished college.

His job at Shell Oil in San Francisco lasted only a year or so. Then he went back to college and earned his teaching credential. Bob taught at Hillsdale High in San Mateo for nine wonderful years. During that time our children, Ty & DeAna were born.

Bob with De (3) and Ty (5)

We moved back to the Turlock area in 1969 and our kids attended school in Modesto while I taught in Ceres & Hughson and Bob returned to his roots: beekeeping. The rest is history!

I just want you to know that I thank God every day for the love Bob & I have shared these 60+ years – and the gift of family God has given us.

Our “children” – Ty & DeAna

I pray that you other moms & dads out there can look back as I do, and feel enormous gratitude for the person God gave you to be co-creators… may your children honor you this day, dads.

Thank you, Dear Lord, for telling me,

“He’s the One!”

He certainly is! God bless you, Bob!

Thanks for being such a great father!

Happy Father’s Day!

Love ❤️ JanBeek