The story in today’s Daily Guideposts reminded me, It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.
Just a simple “Thank you,” or “Please,” Just a moment to reach out and lend a hand, Can change someone’s entire day. And it may impact those observing the kindness, too.
So, just be kind!
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”
Matthew 7:12 ESV
In her story in Guideposts today, Erika Bentsen recounted how (back when she was only 17) she was waiting on a bus in Scotland for the departure time. The bus driver was busy telling stories to the attentive passengers. Suddenly the bus driver dashed from his seat to help a woman across the road who had dropped a package. Then he returned to his seat and continued his story telling.
When her aunt interrupted him and said, “That was awfully nice of you,” he shrugged it off saying, “It costs nothin’ to be kind.”
Years later, that conversation stuck with Erika. Her prayer at the bottom of the page reads,
“Dear Lord, shower me with opportunities to share kindness until it becomes as natural as breathing.”
Like Erika, I want kindness to be as natural as breathing. I know it is an attribute worth cultivating. I pray every morning on my way down the stairs from my sanctuary. I thank God for the
love
joy, and
peace that are mine, and I ask God to help me with
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness (which brings blessings)
gentleness, and
self-control. I ask God to
help me live humbly with an attitude of gratitude, and a response of
generosity and
forgiveness,
obedience and
integrity.
Ask God to help you develop a habit of kindness so it is a natural as breathing to you. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone did that?
Kindness needs to be cultivated!
Who was the last person who was particularly kind to you? What did he or she do? I bet you remembered to say thank you!
Now, pass it on!!
I bet you do that everyday!!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. See you again tomorrow. Be well!!
The poem above is an edited version of an original by Bob Perks. I first read his poem about two decades ago. It spoke to me. Like the one above, it did not give credit to the poet, so I credited “Anonymous.” I posted it on my FaceBook page or somewhere (I wasn’t on WP yet at that time).
I heard from Bob Perks. He was irate! People were posting his poem, tweaking it, and not giving him credit. I had done so innocently. Maybe others were as unknowing as I.
Is it OK to use someone else’s words without acknowledging them? Bob Perks said, “No, that’s plagiarism!”
But if you saw the poem posted as I did, without an author’s name, how would you go about researching who wrote it?
In today’s world, I just “Googled it!” I found this version:
Is that really Bob Perks’ original version? How can I tell? And is it ok for some company to put it on a plaque and sell it for profit without the poet getting some kind of royalty? Did Bob Perks copyright it? I don’t know.
I have mixed feelings on this subject – because I have always believed that when someone steals your idea it is a form of flattery. After all, they liked it that much, right?
People have been doing that with Jesus’ words and ideas for centuries.
Did Nancy DeMoss really create that idea?
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
People always are rephrasing Jesus’ words. There are countless translations of the Bible and dozens of books that paraphrase it. But, they do not take the ideas without giving credit to the creator, do they?
So, is it OK to be a copycat without acknowledgement?
Depends… depends on who you’re copying and why! Sometimes copying is considered a cheap form of imitation.
As an elementary school principal, I used encourage my teachers to share their good ideas with others – and be happy if someone copied their method, stole their lesson plan, or imitated their teaching style. It’s OK to go beyond admiring an idea. It’s OK to use it, embellish it, improve upon it, personalize it. Is it enough to just recognize the other for their inspiration? If you copy, do you need permission?
In our WordPress world, we try to ask permission before reposting someone’s idea. If we don’t get an answer, is it enough to just acknowledge the source?
Lee Ann Womack advocates originality.
I believe Bob Perk’s poem is a beautiful original. He deserves to receive credit for it. I wish him ENOUGH accolades to satisfy his heart’s content. I love following his ideas even today on FaceBook. https://www.facebook.com/bob.perks
His website is about Starting Over… New Beginnings
I bet Bob Perks has had ENOUGH of this rewriting of his poem and people copying and tweaking it. I bet he is ready to move on… start over … reinvent his image. As a writer, he now says he is a “Speaker” and a “Vocalist.” He’s said ENOUGH of that old life. Let’s begin again. His website says, “Starting Over Again” at the top of it.
I am an orginal. You are an original. There is no one else on earth like you. Your eyes are only yours. Your fingerprints are only yours. Your voice is an original – only yours! Celebrate your originality!
Cheers!
Loved having you visit today. Come back again tomorrow and celebrate my birthday with me, OK? I wish you enough!
Jesus loves the little children All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, They are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Jesus came to earth to show us how to live. He gave His life – what more must He give To teach us the lesson He came here to teach? Just love one another! Live that lesson and preach!
Preach to the world the need for compassion. Preach respect, integrity… Make them current fashion. Don’t let fear and ignorance take the reigns And infect our society and poison our brains.
White Replacement Theory? What a bunch of bunk! Don’t let such absurdity enter you. It’s just junk! God created each of us with blessed diversity. He created us equally. Believe that with certainty!
Those who fear other skin or folks from outside the USA Are showing us their ignorance by what they do and say. They don’t understand the message God sent to earth When He brought to this world His Son to give us second birth.
They don’t accept the well-known fact of Oneness, The same blood, same love, same spirit of “Done-ness.” We are were “done” by the Potter’s wheel and skill. We all were created by our God, our Savior’s Will.
No color is more beautiful; No skin is a favored one. No cuisine is more tasty. God differently flavored some. So wrap your mind around the true acts of love… Love others unconditionally – Give all hate a shove!
My heart goes out to the families and friends of the 10 who were senselessly murdered by a sick, crazed, fearful 18-year-old in NY this week. Additionally, worshipers were shot down in church two days ago… and the list goes on. It makes my stomach churn. It makes my head hurt. It puzzles my mind. I just don’t begin to understand. I want to help. I need to do my part.
So, with my left hand in a cast and my little finger throbbing, I hunt and peck with my right hand. I send my love out into the world – and I beg my readers to do what you can, too. Try to drown out hate with loud acts of love. Try to squelch fear with gigantic messages of compassion and understanding. Try to stamp out ignorance with numerous exchanges of God’s messages in His Word and through His Son. Do something. Do what you can.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to set aside fear, hatred, ignorance, and divisiveness, and start as a nation and as a world to just love one another… Amen
published yesterday, April 24, 2022, wrote this poem:
Marriage is a strange equation where You take 1 Person Add another Person You get a Couple So far so good Now you add 0 Expectations to it And you get infinite Love Mind-boggling!
I wrote to Frank saying, “Hmmm… zero expectations? How do you do that?” He responded, “I guess we should try and reduce it little by little. Eventually, it will get to zero.”
What do you think? Do you agree that zero expectations = infinite love?
Bob & me on our 59th
I follow Frank’s blog along with over 22,700 other admirers of his poetry. If you will forgive me, I wish to rewrite his latest. It seems to me that marriage does not have to be a strange equation. It can be:
The Perfect Equation
Marriage can be a perfect equation when You take one person Add another person And get a couple Then you add the Love of Christ Next place the Holy Spirit in the center You add God’s expectations of compassion Mix in the joy of respect and faithfulness And you get unconditional, infinite love Now, that’s Mind-boggling!
Celebrated 60 years in February
True Friendship requires the same equation! Take one person, add another, stir in Christ’s love Center the Holy Spirit between you and Sprinkle generously with compassion and respect Remain faithful to one another, and Keep a confidential, active, listening ear You get unconditional, infinite love. Isn’t that mind-boggling?
If you were asked to create a collage of true friends who epitomize that equation, who would you include? Long-time friends, family, neighbors, church friends, internet friends, friends in heaven, those you haven’t met yet? Think about it! My collages below are by no means complete… but for starters:
Are you a reliable friend? Do you see yourself fitting into the equation? Does your collage of friends include those neighbors who stick “closer than a brother”?
Marriage and Friendship are related! They both carry with them great expectations!
24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Knowing I was hurting physically because I fell and disclocated/broke my pinky finger, friends sent cards, delivered food, sent texts, called, and dropped by. Did I EXPECT such an outpouring? Not at all! But did it do the trick? You bet! Those friends delivered the cheer and encouragement that we all need when we are feeling blue or tired or sick or (as in my case) a little stupid and careless.
Knowing my granddaughter and I were hurting emotionally because she just learned of and shared with me the news of her miscarriage, friends called, wrote, texted, responded on my blog & on FB, and reached out to Hope as well. Did we expect such an outpouring? No! But was it helpful and appreciated? You bet!
Thank You – It does help!
Does God EXPECT us to do so? Yes!
Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another
The Bible is full of expectations for us. God expects us to lift one another up. He commands us… The greatest of these is LOVE. His last and final commandment: Love one another!
Reach out to a friend today. Reach out in love. Do you do it because you expect something in return? Of course!
My mom always told me, “Whatever you send into the life of others comes back into your own.”
(I’m sure she read that in the Bible somewhere!)
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love & Marriage – Go together like a horse & carriage!
Who’s in your collage of friends today? Tell ’em about it! (Share my blog with ’em!!)
I was five years old in 1944 when this movie was made and this song became popular. (Yup, I’m that seasoned!)
Later Tiny Tim sang it – With his insane falsetto! And then Paul Anka crooned the tune. I like the original the best. Maybe it’s just nostalgia at work. Maybe it’s Hedy Lamarr’s dancing? Did you recognize her?
How about you? Will you tiptoe through the tulips today?
It was the year Bob & I were married (1962) when Tiny Tim emerged on the scene with this same song. Check out the cigarettes, the rolling eyes, and other responses that would never fly in today’s world.
Real signs of spring A beautiful gift of love From my heart to yours
Tiptoe together Through the fields of sweet tulips Or just enjoy them
Here’s my bouquet on our living room table. I love tulips!
Oh, and just in case you wanted to hear more of Tiny Tim (I know those of you who heard him for the first time wondered about his TV debut performance and how he was “discovered.”) Sure you did!! Here it is… the way he was introduced to the world on Laugh In:
Ah, how times have changed. Joking about burning draft cards and gender identity and other items that got a laugh back then would raise more than a few eyebrows today, don’t you think? Tiny Tim’s story of enduring ridicule – and a mother who wanted to have him evaluated at a mental hospital – and then eventually rising above the fray is one you may not have heard before. Check it out if you’re interested. His was an amazing career:
Have a beautiful, tulip-filled Sunday. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
In the book of Psalms, David writes in chapter 139 verses 13 and 14:
“for it was You who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been fearfully and wonderfully made”.
What does it mean to be fearfully and wonderfully made?
Fearfully when translated from the Hebrew means with great reverence, heart-felt interest, and with respect.
Wonderfully when translated from the Hebrew means unique and set apart.
Do you know you are unique and set apart? Do you feel the enormous amount of reverence, heart, and respect that went into your making?
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
When we badmouth our bodies, we are insulting God, don’t you think?
Last week when our Presbyterian Women met, the Bible lesson we studied was the story of Bathsheba. It pointed out the secular take on who Bathsheba was may be flawed. Instead of a gorgeous seductress, she may have been the victim. Hollywood’s version of her is the perfectly gorgeous Rita Hayward.
Is that how you see Bathsheba?
The artists who have painted her have a different version:
I much prefer this one! A little bit of a double chin, a poochy stomach, and hefty thighs. Yes, I can relate! Now don’t you think she was fearfully and wonderfully made?
We’re all different in our body type – and yet God says we all are beautiful, lovable, and created in His image. Do you believe that about yourself? Even if you’re not perfect?
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Did you hear that? “… as yourself.”
Yes, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Accept God’s love. Love yourself … and then You can love others!
Don’t let you body stiffen, and don’t let your mind stiffen either!
There are bodies of all shapes and sizes – All are made in God’s image – All are fearfully and wonderfully made!
And – hey guys, You don’t have to have a six-pack to be considered handsome!
Those old Charles Atlas ads are outdated – and those muscles don’t make the man!
That guy on the left is my Bob at the time we met – – – and his brother, Bill, on the right. They don’t look like that today, but they still are fearfully and wonderfully made – and their bodies have lasted into their mid-80’s!
Hah! Here’s Bob celebrating his 80th a few years ago with his younger brother, Bruce, and his brother-in-law, Stan. When asked, “What makes the man?”
Bob answered, “Character! A man who says what he’ll do and does what he says. A man of his word.”
Being fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God means you are made a hero because you are made with the characteristics of heroism.
12 Characteristics of Heroism
Brave
Filled with Conviction
Courage
Determination
Helpful
Honest
Inspirational
Exhibiting Moral integrity
And that’s not just for you guys out there. Those are the qualities of a woman made in God’s image, too!
Add faithful to that list… It’s a part of honesty and being inspirational and moral integrity.
It’s faith that gives you that character Bob was talking about!
May God bless you today – Your mind and your body – Know for sure, my friends, you are fearfully and wonderfully made!
Believe it!!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. See ya tomorrow (God willing) Hugs!
Psalm 34:10b “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
Isaiah 26: 3-4 “Those of steadfast mind You keep in peace— because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.”
My Ideal Day is filled with:
Enough
Peace
Trust
Faith
Love
Friendship
Affirmation
Health
Music
Writing time
Reading time
Blessings …. to fill my cup to overflowing so I can share.
Share hugs and love
An Ideal Day ends with:
Gratitude for today
Peace of mind
Hope for tomorrow
Joy abounding
Romans 15:13
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
And then I have a good, long, restful sleep- zzzzzzz
My ideal day ends with this peaceful music and these beautiful scenes (click on video/music below) as I fall asleep praying for you, my friend.
Bee well! Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (God willing)…
Me with my daughter-n-law, Monika
P.S. We’re packing today and heading back toward Montana tomorrow after two weeks of recuperation time from RSV with our gracious, kind, generous son and his wife. God is good!
At the doctor’s office this week, the physician asked us how long we’d been married. As a couple in our 80’s, that’s a question we hear Often in these days of hurry and scurry from the harried.
When we say it’ll be 60 years next February, they say, “Congratulations, Wow!” and then they ask, “What’s the secret to such a long relationship?” They can see our smiles through our masks.
“Mutual respect,” I say. “And Faith,” Bob adds. “We pray together daily because we believe those who pray together stay together.” The doc asks, “Do you have other tips up your sleeve?”
“Of course,” Bob responds with a twinkle, “Never stop showing how much you care!” And I reinforced the idea, “Mutual respect is a must. Add the element of trust – and be willing to openly share.”
“At the same time,” I must add, “Remember this: We are individuals who need to be allowed space. We’re not connected at the hip, and we can go our separate ways while sharing this place.”
Respecting one another means we value the uniqueness each of us brings to our marriage relationship – and its OK for one of us to fiddle while the other one sings.
It’s OK for me to be in the bell choir and blog while Bob watches Monday Night football. It’s OK for him to prefer history or sports while I read a novel or make a phone call.
It’s OK for Bob to sit for a while and read while I clean off the table after dinner. But when it comes time to do the dishes, Get up and help if you wanna win her!
It’s Ok to divide some of the chores. I don’t wanna learn to mow the lawn! And Bob can’t turn on the washing machine; but share some tasks – don’t be withdrawn!
Does that mean we always agree? That we never argue with each other? No, not at all… we’re human after all! But we don’t fight with one another!
You can disagree with mutual respect. The key to that statement is to listen. Honor your partner’s right to an opinion – and enjoy equality – not one forcing dominion.
What’s the secret to a long, happy relationship? Mutual respect, shared faith, and trust – equal rights, space, avoiding fights, and time apart every now & then – if you must!
Bob enjoys fishing… I don’t!
I enjoy volunteering at the Food Bank or Nursing Home – that’s not in Bob’s sweet spot!
We both enjoy a nice glass of wine with a tasty meal – and occasionally eating out. It’s important to find some common ground otherwise you’ll smile less and increase your pout!
So, my friends, what’s the bottom line? God helped us find each other from the start – And through the years we’ve leaned on Him for help. We thank the Lord for His loving heart!
Gratitude can’t be left our of the equation. Don’t forget to thank Jesus and remember to say “Thank you” to one another every day. Thank Heaven, our love is here to stay!
Hah! Do you think I should learn to fish?
What are your secrets to a long and happy marriage? I wish you a life-time of mutual love and respect.
My high school buddy from the Stone Age, Doris, sent me a story today. It was written by a guy (no name available) who recalled an experience that stuck with him and changed him forever.
Did the title of this blog draw you in? Stay with me.
The story writer told about the way a young Downs Syndrome man impacted the hearts of all he touched. I was moved by the story – and decided it was too good to keep to myself. I hope it touches your heart, too.
In 1979, I was managing a Wendy’s in Port Richey, Florida. Unlike today, staffing was never a real problem, but I was searching for a someone to work 3 hours a day only at lunch. I went thru all my applications and most were all looking for full time or at least 20 hours per week. I found one however, buried at the bottom of a four inch stack, that was only looking for lunch part time.
His name was Nicky. Hadn’t met him but thought I would give him a call and see if he could stop by for an interview. When I called, he wasn’t in but his mom said she would make sure he would be there. At the appointed time, Nicky walked in. One of those moments when my heart went in my throat. Nicky suffered from Downs Syndrome. His physical appearance was a giveaway and his speech only reinforced the obvious. I was young and very sheltered. Had never interacted on a professional level with a developmentally disabled person. I had no clue what to do, so I went ahead and interviewed him. He was a wonderful young man. Great outlook. Task focused. Excited to be alive. For only reasons God knew at that time, I hired him for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week to run a grill.
I let the staff know what to expect. Predictably the crew made sure I got the message, “No one wants to work with a retard.” To this day I find that word offensive. We had a crew meeting, cleared the air, and prepared for his arrival.
Nicky showed up for work right on time. He was so excited to be working. He stood at the time clock literally shaking with anticipation. He clocked in and started his training. Couldn’t multi-task, but was a machine on the grill.
Now for the fascinating part… Back in that day, there were no computer screens to work from. Every order was called out by the cashier. It required a great deal of concentration on the part of all production staff to get the order right. While Nicky was training during his first shift, the sandwich maker next to him asked the grillman/trainer what was on the next sandwich. Nicky replied, “single, no pickle no onion.” A few minutes later it happened again. It was then that we discovered Nicky had a hidden and valuable skill. He memorized everything he heard! Photographic hearing! WHAT A SKILL SET.
It took 3 days and every sandwich maker requested to work with Nicky. He immediately was accepted by the entire crew. After his shift he would join the rest of his crew family, drinking Coke like it was water! It was then that they discovered another Rainman-esque trait. Nicky was a walking/talking perpetual calendar! With a perpetual calendar as a reference, they would sit for hours asking him what day of the week was December 22, 1847. He never missed. This uncanny trait mesmerized the crew.
His mom would come in at 2 to pick him up. More times than not, the crew would be back there with him hamming it up. As I went to get him from the back, his mom said something I will never forget. “Let him stay there as long as he wants. He has never been accepted anywhere like he has been here.”
I excused myself and dried my eyes, humbled and broken-hearted at the lesson I just learned. Nicky had a profound impact on that store. His presence changed a lot of people. Today I believe with every fiber of my body that Nicky’s hiring was no accident. God’s timing and will are perfect.
This Christmas, I hope we all understand what we are celebrating. We are all like Nicky. We each have our shortcomings. We each have our strong points. But we are all of value. God made us that way and God doesn’t make mistakes. Nicky certainly wasn’t a mistake. He was a valuable gift that I am forever grateful for.
We are celebrating the birth of the ONE that leveled the playing field for all of us. God doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, republican or democrat, or black or white. He doesn’t care if your chromosome structure is perfect. He doesn’t care what level of education you have attained. He cares about your heart. He wants us all to love and appreciate the gift HE gave us on Christmas, His son, the Savior, our salvation. His Son that was born to die for our sins. To pay our debt. To provide us a path for eternity.
So this Christmas, let’s check our hearts. There is a little bit of Nicky in all of us and I suspect there is a Nicky somewhere in your life who is looking for the chance to be embraced. Thank God for that. Thank God for His perfect gift, Christ Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
Alice Paschal Nativity
Peering Down
Another of my high school friends, Kristy, sent me that sketch up there done by a 93-year-old friend of hers, Alice Paschal. What a wonderful rendition of that glorious Christmas Day! Like those two doves, my husband, Bob, and I are sitting in the rafters, peering down on that magical scene – marveling at the love Christ brought down to earth. Grateful for those who share His love in stories, words and actions.
Ready to Learn
May we all be like the workers in that restaurant long ago – ready to learn to love, learn to accept, learn to wrap our arms around the most vulnerable. May we learn to see one another through Jesus glasses, from the inside out.
I first posted this in December of 2020 … and here it is a year later … December of 2021 … and in many ways, we are more engulfed in the effects of COVID-19 now than we were then!
My New Years glasses
My resolution for 2020 was to “Walk the Talk.” Little did I know when I created those 20/20 Perfect Vision glasses January 1, 2020 what a challenge that would be!
I posted the picture of that little girl in early January, determined to talk less and to do more.
Lenten Breakfast 2020
No Way of Knowing
I had no way of knowing when we celebrated the first of five planned Lenten breakfasts leading up to Easter that it would be our last. COVID-19 hit, our gatherings were shut down, and social distancing eliminated these opportunities.
Time
Time to read more, time to think more, time to reflect on stories like the one at the top of this blog.
I asked you, my WP readers, “How will you spend the rest of this 2020 year? What will you do to Walk the Talk and Show the Love of Christ with those you meet?”
I asked you, “Think about it.”
And here it is another year gone by, still dealing with the effects of COVID-19, and still asking the same questions. still making the same requests:
And I still want you to know, “I love you.“ I hope you have avoided the ravages of the virus. I hope you are well, and looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with loved ones.
Thanks for taking time to read JanBeek. I hope it inspires you. Bee well! Bee LOVE.
JanBeek 