Loving One Another

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Global Gratitude


Sue Dreamwalker wrote this today, “I will be joining the Global Day of Gratitude. This Thanksgiving we need to give thanks for family and friends, and grow our New soul family as we reach out and create New Connections all over the World… As we reach out with our hearts to create Unity and Peace.”

Sue DreamwalkerWalking The Storm

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The day called “Thanksgiving” has drawn to a close this challenging year of 2020. But as Dwight Roth reminded us in his post yesterday, it is not just a day to be reminded to be grateful for all our blessings, but it also is a day called “National Day of Mourning for Native Americans.” Check out his informative and poignant post:

rothpoetryBlinded By Comfort

Photo by Gabriela Custu00f3dio da Silva on Pexels.com

In the midst of plenty, I am reminded of the suffering of many. I am reminded of the sacrifice of many. I am mournful as I realize the injustices that brought me to the place of comfort where I am today. I apologize to my Native American friends … and yet I know nothing I can say or do today can erase the truth of what white people did to these dear people. I want to be thankful for what I have – (and I am) – but I recognize the cost… and I am humbled in my position of plenty – and trying NOT to be “Blinded by Comfort.”

I hope your Thanksgiving Day was a day of small gatherings … not the big family crowd we are used to on this day. I hope you kept it intimate and safe. We did. Just four of us. But in our hearts we included you all… and thanked God for your presence in our lives. WordPress is a wonderful community – and I am thankful for your shared thoughts, your insightfulness, and your faithful visits to JanBeek.

Our table in Montana

Throughout the day, we texted with our family in California and Maryland and Switzerland and bemoaned the fact that we can’t all be together this year. But, we thanked God for our health and our many blesssings. With the magic of WhatsApp and Messenger and FaceTime, we shared pictures. I hope you were able to do the same thing.

Our son’s table in California
Our son, Ty, at the end of the table.

Monika is taking the photo. Her parents were able to join them along with our grandson, Sam, on the left and our granddaughter, Faith and her husband, Kyle, on the right. Two other of our grandchildren are missing here. COVID says, “Keep it small.” Tough task!

Relaxing after dinner

We feel blessed to be able to share this important day with our pastor, Steve, and his wife, Elaine. Thank God for friends near and far who can join us in these days of social distancing and masks and fear – and can help us feel less alone!

Thank you, Elaine, for being such a dear friend!

I hope you were able to share the day with loved ones, too… and that you had reasons to count your blessings in the midst of this very unusual year.

My joy and gratitude overflow.
I hope it spills out globally –
and it is contagious!

I hope you had a safe and happy Global Day of Gratitude…
while remembering our Native Americans …

Happy Native American Day!
God bless the Indians!!

Tell me about your Thanksgiving Day.
What did you do?

Category:

blessings, Family, food, friendship, God, Gratitude, holidays, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, relationships

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Find Peace


I can find peace –
It’s here in my heart.
Living in trust
Is a good place to start.

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.com

I can find peace
In stillness and prayer.
Don’t need to go far –
Peacefulness is there.

Photo by Public Domain Pictures on Pexels.com

Find peace in the world –
Find oneness with all.
Find joy and contentment –
No need for a wall.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Peace in relationships –
Peace from above.
Just radiate inner peace –
And reach out in love.

Isaiah 32:17

“The effect of righteousness will be peace,
and the result of righteousness
will be quietness and confidence forever.”

Photo by Ololade Masud on Pexels.com

Pray today for
peace,
trust,
stillness,
unity,
joy,
and
contentment .
They are waiting for you…
Just ask!

Sending my love.
Hunkering down.
How about you?

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, contentment, Faith, friendship, Gratitude, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, relationships

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God is Great! God is Good!


Thank you for checking in with JanBeek today.
If you are one of the newbies here, welcome!!

You may not know that I take sermon notes in poetry most Sundays,
and then I share them here.
I do…
and I enjoy helping you hear
what I heard through my poetic filters.
Comments always appreciated.

Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com

Sermon by
Reverend Steve Hundley
Madison Valley Presbyterian Church
Ennis, Montana
Notes by Jan Beekman

God is Great, God is Good!

Thanksgiving celebrations
Have a history with friends.
This year with COVID,
Most will find unwelcomed ends.

Reunited old relationships
Were important to reflame.
Old traditions are important.
What’ll we do to reclaim?

What can we do to overcome
This year of so many deaths?
How can we truly be thankful
When so many breathed last breaths?

Remember to give thanks
For life – no matter how short.
Help the family say good-bye,
And trust God. Give no retort!

There is no way we can
Make whining acceptable.
Suck it up and give thanks
For life! … Be respectable.

Praise and give thanks to God
For the daily gifts He gives.
Blessed be the Lord of all.
Blessed be our God. He lives!

Psalm 100 gives praise
No matter the troubles and strife.
Remember the password to God:
“Thank You!” God, thank you for life!

Rev. Steve told a story about a family Thanksgiving a few years ago where his mom ALWAYS asked him to be the one to provide the blessing. But on this particular Thanksgiving, his four-year-old second cousin interrupted and said HE wanted to say the blessing this year. Steve’s mom told him he could, assuming Steve would follow up with the REAL blessing.

The four-year-old cleared his throat and declared, “God is Great – God is Good – Amen!”
Steve’s mom asked, “That’s it?”
And the boy responded emphatically, “Yes! That’s it!”
Then she turned to Steve, expecting him to expound further.
Steve simply said, “Amen!”

Yes, that’s it … that’s all we need to know: “God is Great! God is Good! Amen!”


Steve’s opening prayer this morning: “Father in heaven, we give You thanks for life and for all of the experiences that life brings us.  We give You thanks for joy, hope, peace, and answered prayers, but we also give You thanks for our trials, sorrows, and pain.  We give You thanks for our land, for the beauty of the landscape, for the riches it provides for our living, for the people and cultures among us.  Above all things, we give You thanks for our hope in Christ, for the life and freedom that will ultimately be ours.  Teach us to cherish all Your gifts.  Teach us also to use all these resources for the good of society and for glory to You.  Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.“

*AN AFFIRMATION OF THANKSGIVING

I believe in the God of fruit time and harvest, who makes the land to bear gifts in its time and fills our tables with the bounty of His hand.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who was the first fruit of those who slept, and brings us to spiritual tables where our cups overflows.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, who causes us to remember all things for which we are grateful and teaches us to see a relationship between our gifts and the Giver.

I believe in the world as the arena of my spiritual life, where I am to share my table with the poor and my hospitality with the stranger; for in so doing, I shall fulfill the desires of my great and good God who has given me everything, and of His Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.   

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for joining me for our Sunday service.
If you find yourself in Ennis, Montana on a Sunday morning,
do come and join us at the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church.
308 W Hugel St, Ennis, MT 59729
(406) 682-4355


May the Lord Bless and Keep You safe
now and always.

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

blessings, Faith, God, Gratitude, holidays, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Montana, Poetry, prayer, relationships, sermon notes

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Alive for a Reason


You’re alive for a reason.
What is it?

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com
I’m alive because…
My purpose in life is to…

I’d love to see how you complete
one or both of those sentences.

I have given them a lot of thought lately.


Write your sentence before you look below for what I wrote.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


I’m alive for a reason.
I’m alive because my number hasn’t come up yet!
My purpose in life is
– to love
– to accept love gratefully,
– to spread that love far and wide
– and to help others seek the Source
of that joyous, peace-filled love.

I don’t love because I expect love in return…
(but that usually happens).
I love because God first loved me,
my parents loved me,
and I have been blessed with family and friends who love me.
My cup overflows… and I NEED to share it.

How did you finish the sentence?

I hope you had (have) a loving family too.
My daddy was the world’s greatest hugger!

Have a great weekend.
Live for your purpose!
See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, Faith, Family, Giving, God, Gratitude, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, peace, relationships, self-esteem, Serving One Another

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Celebrate Uniqueness


How dull it would be
If the whole world was beige.
The idea of a melting pot
Needs to turn a different page.

Turn to the page of color
Where each one is celebrated.
The idea of a salad bowl
Needs to be integrated.

Don’t try to make us all
Of one color and creed.
Honor and appreciate the joy
In each unique, beautiful seed.

Sow seeds of understanding.
Sow seeds of faith and love.
Sow seeds of joy and unity.
We’re all one from God above.

You color my world!

Photo by 42 North on Pexels.com
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com

May your world dazzle with color!


Love ya…
and really appreciate your prayers
for those fighting this pandemic.
Thank you!


See ya tomorrow.
JanBeek

Category:

Animals, God, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, Poetry, relationships, respect

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My Grandson Has COVID-19


When COVID-19 is abstract,
When it seems to happen to others,
It’s easier to take it lightly –
But when it hits home, it smothers!

There’s nothing light about this virus.
It is unpredictable – that’s for sure.
My youngest grandson has it –
And he’s no amateur.

He’s been working as a CNA
In a COVID-19 Hospice unit.
Putting himself in Harm’s Way
Every day, I must admit it.

All our doctors and nurses
Who care for the COVID sick
Put themselves at risk.
Dear Lord, protect them, QUICK!

Positive is how Chris is feeling
And positive is what we need to be-
Sure that our prayers are heard
And God is protecting you and me.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Wear your mask and socially distance.
Pray for safety and protection.
Pray for those in danger –
And an end to this infection.

Thanks for your prayers for Chris.
See ya tomorrow.

Sending healing prayers your way.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Faith, Family, God, health, Life's Challenges, Love, prayer, relationships, Serving One Another

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Good Friends Are Slippers


Good Friends are Slippers,
Comfortable and Warm,
Sturdy and Reliable,
Trudging through Life’s Storm.

Always There When Needed,
Showing No Pretenses,
Listening and Loving,
Scaling Broken Fences.

Photo by Arvid Knutsen on Pexels.com

Providing a Foundation
Of Sturdiness Untold.
Good Friends are Slippers –
More Comfortable when Old.

If You are Blessed with Friends
As Comfortable and Warm as Slippers,
Hang on Tight; Don’t Cut ’em Out.
Put Away the Clippers!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

You Can’t Measure Their Worth
With a Ruler or Some Tape.
Good Friends are Slippers.
Don’t Let Their Warmth Escape!

My blanket from my friend, Terry…
Cozy hugs and warmth –
here whenever I need them!
New since we moved to Montana.
She’s here whenever I need her!
What a blessing!
Thank you, Terry!

Keep the old and make some new;
One is silver, the other is gold.
True Friends are Slippers –
Treasures with comfort untold.

Dear Marcie,
An “Old” Friend…
Best Buddies since the ’50s.
Comfortable and Warm!

May your life be warmed
With the comfort of many-a true friend.
God bless and keep them safe.
May those friendships never end.

I Am
Grateful and Loving

Who’s that Friend
Who is a Slipper
For You?

Thanks for visiting
JanBeek
Come back tomorrow…
And have a warm and comfortable week.

Here’s one of my favorite songs and singers
from the 1950’s when I was in high school.
The words fit today’s message so well!
Enjoy!!

Dinah Shore

Category:

blessings, friendship, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, music, Poetry, relationships

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2 years + 9 months + 3 days


He went into the army because
He didn’t know what else to do.
He was in two years, nine months,
And three days. Does that count to you?

It was during a time of peace.
No, he didn’t have to serve in a war.
But that time in the army
Changed him to his very core.

Today is Veteran’s Day in the USA,
A time to honor our veterans’ sacrifice.
Some serve now, others are retired,
While many gave their very lives.

So, it’s important to recognize
All the men and women who gave
Of themselves to keep us free.
Today flowers went on many a grave.

Whether days, years, or a lifetime
Were spent in the service of country,
Today we reach out to say to you,
Thank you! Your sacrifice keeps us free.

God Bless Our Veterans.

Thank you, Bob!!
I’m glad I got to serve those last
9 months and 3 days with you!
I love Germany and the friends we made there.
And I loved teaching in the school on the army base.

Thanks to all our veterans!
Your sacrifice is sooo appreciated.
I will never take our freedom for granted.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow.

Do you have a veteran in your family?
If so, name them in the comments below.
I want to thank them, too!


Category:

Family, Giving, Gratitude, Life's Challenges, Love, peace, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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I Rock!


I climb the stairs each day,
Then I turn on the light.
Sometimes it’s still dark out.
I rock ’til it gets bright.

Sipping my cup o’ coffee,
Rocking as I pray,
I meditate and read His Word
As I welcome each new day.

I can rock away troubles;
I can sit here and be still.
I can listen to the Spirit,
And discern the Father’s Will.

I can rock in my wicker chair
Until my head and heart are clear.
I can feel the Lord’s presence
And thank God He’s ever near.

And when my rocking’s over
I thank Jesus for his time,
And slowly I descend the stairs
(It’s my 12-step program climb).

Climb down to face the world.
Climb down to start my day.
Use the Fruits of the Spirit
In a thoughtful kind of way:

  1. Thank You for the LOVE,
  2. the JOY
  3. and the PEACE that are mine.
  4. Help me, Lord, with PATIENCE,
  5. KINDNESS
  6. GOODNESS
  7. and FAITHFULNESS (which brings blessings)
Can you read the word above the door?
It says, “Blessings.”

8. Help me with GENTLENESS,
9. and SELF-CONTROL.


10. Help me live HUMBLY with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
11. and a response of GENEROSITY, FORGIVENESS,
12. OBEDIENCE and INTEGRITY.

IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!
And now I am at the bottom of the stairs where these words greet me across from the front door – “The Greatest of These is Love” – and these angels smile at me on the wall beneath the stairs:

A gift from Norbert and Elke Schaller.
I say a prayer each day for them, too –
They and their daughters, Simone & Caroline.

I rock! And my day will rock, too
Because I have taken time to pray.
I rock! And you will rock, too
Because I pray for you, too, each day.

This is page one of my prayer list.

On the back side of this page
Is a list of each WordPress friend.
I ask the Lord to guard you.
Rock on! Accept the love I send.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
Have a love-filled day!
See ya tomorrow.

Meantime, enjoy this song that was a hit in 1955
(I was a sophomore in high school…
great memories of rockin’ school dances!!)

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, friendship, God, Gratitude, Jesus, life, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, relationships, Spiritual Gifts, truth

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Live the Faith; Let Your Light Shine!


Live true to your FAITH
Show love to everybody
Daily Walk the Talk

Daily reminder
It is to me from myself!
You may borrow it.

Isaiah 9:2

“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.”

Prov. 8:20-21

“… I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in His presence,
rejoicing in His whole world
and delighted in mankind.”

Photo by Ray Bilcliff on Pexels.com

“Don’t ever let anyone put out your light because they are blinded by it.”

― Shannon L. Alder

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“I feel that we’re all lighthouses,
and my job is to shine my light
as brightly as I can to the darkness.”

― Jim Carrey

Shine for others
when they are in darkness

Lighthouses just shine
In the place they are planted
Just be still and shine

I will shine the light
I will hold you in my arms
Help you find His Way

I will shine the light!

I Will
Live true to my FAITH
Show love to everybody
and
Daily Walk the Talk

Photo by Zac Frith on Pexels.com

May the light of peace
Shine on brightly in your life –
I will shine the light!

Thanks for visiting today.
If you have a prayer request,
please share it with me.
I will walk beside you in prayer.
Love, JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, relationships, Serving One Another, Sharing

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