Keep looking ahead Don’t look backward instead Keep your balance upright And your future in sight
Don’t be in a hurry You don’t need to scurry Be ever expectant But, don’t be a contestant
We’re part of a whole Connection’s our goal Slow down and discover We can lean on each other
May your eyes look ahead And read what is said About those in distress Who live in a mess
Because they don’t pause And look at the cause Of the trouble they’re in It stems from within
They rush here and there Seldom are they aware Of the joy that’s ahead If they’d slow down instead
So keep your eyes looking up Let the calm fill your cup As you savor each day Spreading love on your way.
In his book, Ever Faithful, David Jeremiah reminded me in today’s devotional that there is something to rejoice in, give thanks for, and pray about around every curve. He referenced this scripture:
Thessalonians 5:16-18
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
David Jeremiah reminds us that looking ahead – keeping your eyes focused on the path is the important task at hand. Do not be hurried! “Real joy in life comes not to the hurried, but to the expectant- those eager for new experiences and discovery.
There are encounters, discoveries, people, events, opportunities, blessings and challenges to be found.”
The joy that’s comin’ Is here if you’re hummin’ Git yer guitar and start strummin’ Yer smile’s quite becommin’
I found the beauty today In weeds I saw along the way. Many folks would probably say Pull ’em out – or douse ’em with spray!
Joy is a part o’ yer make-up. It’s inside ya ready to take up Residence and cause a shake-up; So smile and light yer face up!
And a joyful face is good medicine fir others!
Just let yer heart glow With the joy that ya know Is inside; Let it show! Let yer love flow.
Luke 8:16
A Lamp on a Stand
16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”
I let my light shine. It’s part of my design. Lips aren’t a straight line – They should curve up real fine!
Smilin’ makes ya feel better; So, my friends, be a trend setter! Turn off sorrow; don’t be a fretter. You look so much better when you SMILE!
Let yer joy be real clear. Share it with those you hold dear. Give it to those far and near Who need your brand of cheer.
Picture it radiating And wiping out all hating. Picture it pulsating And erasing what’s frustrating.
Yup, this bears repeating:
Joy is a part o’ your make-up. It’s inside ya ready to take up Residence and cause a shake-up; So smile and light yer face up!
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!
I’ve been telling myself – and you – to have faith, To step out in faith and begin a new journey. I’ve been telling myself to lean in and listen To what God is whispering to me.
Well, He has been telling me to slow down. “Stop and watch where you are going. Slow down and move more intentionally. Sit in the boat awhile – enjoy how life’s flowing.”
Looks like I did that for awhile, right? But then I stepped on shore, running – Flitting from one spot to the next, I didn’t stop to just enjoy the sunning!
In April I fell and broke a finger. In June I tripped and bruised my knee. And yesterday I fell over backward – Needed stitches to the head – Woe is me!!
Not a pretty sight!
I was dashing from garage to house Carrying groceries in three sacks. I couldn’t see my feet, so missed the step, Lost my balance, and fell flat on my back!
My head hit the hitch on the trailer And gashed my scalp an inch wide, Two inches long – requiring 8 stitches- More hurt than my head was my pride!
So the Lord said, “Third time’s the charm. Be humble and listen to me please. Be wise about what you carry and where you step – People can die with falls like these!”
Okay, dear God, I got the message! Slow down and watch where you walk! Carry with your good hand, not your left… Eyes open, steps secure, mind your own talk!
I’m sharing this advice with you, friends, Because I hope you are wiser than I. I hope you don’t have to have three mishaps Before you heed the warning and comply!
SLOW DOWN AND WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING!!
My Daughter#2, Laina, sent me this poem after hearing this morning about what happened:
Oh my! Remember this? About a year ago… Walked into the closing hatchback on our car!! Slow learner I am!
Yes, indeed! I need to slow down and watch where I’m going… How about you??
Life is a wonderful journey Of ups and overs and downs It’s filled with joy and sorrow With more smiles (I pray) than frowns!
As I travel this road of life, I weather the storms and bumps I look for roses and buttercups And try to jump over the humps
I look for butterflies and bees And appreciate the beauty I see I share the joy and the peace That God daily gives to me.
Our WordPress friends share their joy with us everyday. For example: Roth Poetry.com posted about butterflies today. He wrote:
“I just could not help myself today, when I saw these beautiful butterflies on my Zinnias. I kept shooting and shooting. and they stayed around flitting from flower to flower, poetry in motion! With my 200mm zoom, I was able to focus all the way in on them. These are some of the most beautiful butterflies I have seen!
Beauty flits lightly from yellow to red buffet Basking in sunshine
Life is a journey of beauty Take time to allow it to sink in Don’t let the ugliness and discord Make your vision a stink-in!
There’s plenty of garbage out there It’s not what God asks us to see God says to focus on the beauty There’s plenty of it in you and me!
Don’t let anyone tell you You’re not up for this journey!
You might have to take a few pit stops, you might get a flat tire here and there, you might go through a few thunderstorms, but through all your experiences, fruit is being built. You are becoming stronger, and your faith and reliance on God is growing.
I hope when you click on this link, you can hear this wonderful song by Jake Owen.
Laugh a lot and keep it light Let sorrow just roll off your back Turn a blind eye to the ugly sites And give the love that others lack
“And no matter what dreams you’re chasing, Never get above your raising. May the simple things be amazing On the journey of your life.”
Treasure the journey!
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”
Years ago I wrote a poem that was published in the International Library of Poetry annual publication. The title of the book in 2002 was “Chasing Revelation.” My poem was titled, “Have Faith and Step Out.” You can find it here: https://janbeek.blog/2020/01/02/have-faith-and-step-out/ It is as poignant in my life today as it was 20 years ago… maybe more so. How about you? Does it apply? Are you up for the next step of your journey?
The lazy, sunny days of summer are here They’re full of friends and play and cheer Blogging takes a back seat these days Company comes, but rarely stays
So, take the day and live it with joy Go for a walk or ride out in your favorite toy Raid your neighbor’s garden of fresh tomatoes Barbecue tri-tip and bake some potatoes
Keep exercising that broken finger Remember the stiffness – don’t let it linger Make flexible progress every day But don’t let the pain get in your way
Now is the time to dance and to laugh Too soon these summer days will be past The sun shines now – but the warmth won’t stay Come on, Bob, let’s go out and play
I took a blogging break for almost a week Celebrated birthdays and hiked near the creek Then I took our TazE out for a run What’ve you been doing to have some fun?
I may see you tomorrow…. Then again, I may be out having fun… How about you?
I went to occupational therapy today. A compression glove should help reduce the swelling on this hand now that the pins are out and the hand can move again. But just wearing a glove isn’t going to get my fingers back to being functional again. I gotta work at it!
Darci, the therapist gave me a glob of silly putty. Do you remember playing with that when you were a kid? Rolling and squeezing the putty is the order of the day. It feels like I am rolling a bale of hay and trying to squeeze it! Ouch! The little finger (the one that was broken) and the ring finger next to it (the one that was taped to the broken pinky to give it stability) both are hyper-sensitive and stiff. Suck it up, Jan! You can do this! No pain, no gain, remember?
Have you tried putting on a sweater with just one functional hand? Or better yet, pulling your pants up single-handed? No fun! Can’t play my accordion. Have trouble cutting a piece of meat. Try folding the laundry with only one hand. Oh, brother, suck it up, Jan! There are a whole lot of people in this world worse off than I am. Think positively!!! Grab that silly putty and get to work!
I can do this! Grin and bear it!!
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.”
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
What kind of struggle do you face these days? Are you needing to just “Suck it up” and do it? Have you prayed to the Lord for help? I’ll pray for your strength and tenacity… You pray for mine, OK? Thanks!
Have a great weekend. See ya tomorrow (God willing). Love, JanBeek
The word for 2022 (that I chose on January 1 before I knew how MUCH I would need it) is STRENGTH. What kind of strength do we need each day in order to survive and thrive? I asked myself that question today as I realized it’s been the longest stretch of non-blogging that I have had in several years. My last post was when I dug to the bottom of my strength barrel and pulled out “Speechless.”
The deaths in Ukraine and that ongoing conflict drained me. The Texas mass shooting sucked the drops that were left. I felt lifeless. Then I discovered that two of my dear friends I do Bible Study and Bingo with each week in our nursing home – two of them – died this week. My heart is hurting!
Where does my strength come from?
Isaiah 41:10
“God strengthens you So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. God has promised us His strength. He will never give you a trial you are unable to handle.”
Personal Strengths Defined
Wisdom. Creativity. Curiosity. Love of learning. …
Transcendence. Appreciation of beauty and excellence. Gratitude. Hope.
Notice that the last of those personal strengths defined is “Transcendence,” and the last of its characteristics is Hope. Seems to me those should be first. They transcend all the others in my mind!
Without hopefulness Life has no sense of purpose Can’t cope without hope
Hope renews our strength Hope helps us face tomorrow Hope is essential
Take my life, Lord. I give it to You. Take myself. Renew my strength.
Take my hand – and let it move – please!
Take my hand – and let it move – at the impulse of your love! I pray the pins come out easily! (One more week til that appointment)
I pray the joints move with ease as I exercise them in the ways I have been taught to do. I pray I am able to use my life again consecrated to the Lord and the work He has for me.
Let’s hear that hymn again… and let’s internalize it. Let’s renew our sense of HOPE and let’s express it in ways that encourages others to give – Give HOPE for this day, Hope for all healing, Hope for His Love to flow through us always! Sing along!!
I’m back… the one-handed bandit… Back to send words of faith, love, joy, hope, and unity to a hurting world. Pass it on, my friends! The world needs the strength you have to give.
