Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Archive for the ‘peace’ Category

Hope

These “things with feathers” frequent our yard, hoping for food and safety.
This “thing with feathers” lives in the heart of love and faith

In the midst of raging fires, devastating wars, and rampant illnesses, falls and broken bones, may we too fly with hope perched in our souls and a wordless song of love ringing in our hearts!

May God’s angels guard you and may you be safe and healthy. May all your wounds heal and your body be renewed.
May all your prayers be answered.

The Lord Bless You and Keep You and give you Peace and Hope for a brighter tomorrow!

Yesterday we had “Christmas in January” for our nursing home residents because they were in “lock down” in December due to an outbreak of COVID among the residents. It was a glorious party. I am so grateful for their recovery, and the fun we had gifting them each with a pillow handmade and personalized by my friend, Linda Maydak. What a wonderful treat! Thank you, Linda!!

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I had a wonderful time playing Santa and distributing the lovely gifts and the tasty treats w provided. It’s never to late to celebrate Christ’s birth and gift our friends with something to celebrate the wonders of Christmas! I hope you are remembering His gift of salvation and thanking Him every day, too. He gives us reasons to HOPE every day. Praise God!!

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Oh, and before I close, please pray for my Writers’ Group friend, Janet Hill, who fell and broke her hip today.
Join me in prayer for all those affected by the CA wildfires… and pray for peace in the middle east… and in the world. Amen!

Lots of Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Christmas, Faith, Giving, God, health, holidays, Love, music, peace, prayer, Serving One Another

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Favorite Pastime

The prompt for today asked me to identify my favorite pastime…
I am doing it: writing.
Especially writing on my blog, but also
writing text or e-mail messages to family and friends
and sending greeting cards for all kinds of occasions
ie: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Get Well, Thinking of you…

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
View all responses

Writing poetry is another favorite activity.
If you’ve read my blog for awhile, you know
I like to take sermon notes in church on Sundays.
Sometimes they rhyme… but more often lately
they are free verse. It’s my way of capturing
the main message as I hear and understand it.

Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds
used Matthew Chapter 5:13-16
as her springboard for today’s message.
Here’s what the sermon said to me today:

Be Salt and Light

Salt preserves.
As Christians,
We, too, must preserve
What is right in the world.

We must become
Salt and Light.
Salt that exists
For a specific purpose.

Light that shines
As a witness to Jesus.
Salt that creates
A thirst for what is Good.

Fight for each human’s
Right to live in
The light of Torchbearers –
Lighting the way for others.

Blessed are the merciful.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Think first to help someone else.
Be a light who blesses others.

Don’t lose your saltiness.
Don’t cover your light.
Create pathways to
Wholeness in this world.

Amen?
Amen!

Are you Salt for a specific purpose?
Does that influence your choice of
Favorite Pastime?
Does your purpose shed
Light on your pathway?
Is it peaceful?

What is your favorite pastime?
Don’t tell me you don’t have one!

Hah!
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blogging, God, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, peace, Poetry, relationships, sermon notes, Serving One Another, writing

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Words Words Words

How shall we use our tongues?
That was the question posed by
James McGuire in today’s
devotional in “These Days.”

These Days, Daily Devotionals for Living by Faith,
published especially for Cumberland Presbyterian Church.


James 3:10 says,
“From the same mouth comes
a blessing and a curse.
My brothers and sisters,
this ought not to be so.“



Ah, my friends, t’is so true…
we all are a combination
of good and evil!
Capable of great love
and alas, of ugly hate.
Which dog wins?
The one we feed!

James McGuire elaborated on the subject.
“The development of speech was a unique human accomplishment,”
he wrote. “Other creatures communicate by grunts, growls, and touch.
Humans use many languages.”

He went on to ask,
“How shall we use our power of speech?
Shall we bless others, or shall we curse?
What shall we do with our ability to write?”

That last question brought me to my blog.
Here I write with the purposes explained in my heading:
I intend to spread “Love, joy, peace, faith and unity.”
I believe there is too little of each of those in our world.

James McGuire asked,
“What about the ideas that pour forth
through television and videos?”


Here in the USA, this week more than 67 million people
tuned in to the Harris-Trump debate.
Lordy, Lordy, what a fiasco!
What is this world coming to??

James McGuire ended his devotional with this prayer:
“Holy God, forgive us when we misuse our tongues.
Teach us to choose words wisely as we communicate
with each other and the world.”

Like Old Testament proverbs, the Letter of James
offers wise teachings for Christians of every age.
We who write (and speak publicly), teach, and lead
have a particular responsibility for our use of language.
We who read and who listen to public speakers
must be attuned to the Holy Spirit as we read and hear others.

“Moreover,”
James McGuire and James reminded us,
“we must be wise in choosing
what we view on big and little screens.”

Words, words, words!
They are so important!!
A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
Do both come out of your mouth?
“My brothers and sisters, this ought not be so.”

Join me, won’t you?
Let’s try to use our tongues
and our arms
and our lives
to spread
Only Love.

OKAY?

Hugs and Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, kindness, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, relationships, writing

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Roll With Life

Relax! Everything’s gonna be okay.
Rest … things are coming your way.
Open your heart; love’s here to stay.
Everything’s coming together on this day.

“… to those loved by God the Father,
called and kept safe by Jesus Christ,
Relax! Everything’s gonna be alright.
Rest, everything’s coming together.
Open your hearts; Love is on its way.”

Jude 1:1-2 (MSG)

Relax and roll with the waves of life.
Let go of any tensions or strife.
Go hug your husband or wife,
Or find a neighbor whose troubles are rife.

Sit and do nothing at all.
Let your mind wander and sprawl.
Relax and dream to enthrall
The birds who come to your whistled call.

In these days of political strife
With pundants telling us how to think
It’s easy to get drawn off balance
Easy to feel we’re drowning – gonna sink!

BUT, we’re not!!
Read on…

Guideposts devotional, “Mornings With Jesus”
elaborated on this theme today.
Suzanne Davenport Tietjen wrote,
“My soaking tub isn’t very big, but it’s deep –
deep enough to float in.
Floating might be my favorite thing now –
but that would surprise my mother.
She thought I’d never master it when I was a child.
I was fine if my parent’s or swimming teacher’s arms
supported me, but I panicked whenever they tried
to transition me to floating on my back solo…

“Finally Mom convinced me to
practice in the Gulf of Mexico,
saying that I’d float higher in salt water.
The difference was probably miniscule,
but … I relaxed enough to lie back,
rock on the waves, and float.
All I needed to do was not do anything…

“It seems like a paradox, this doing something
by relaxing into doing nothing.
And paradoxically, I struggle with this
in my walk with Jesus. I want to do.
Jesus wants me to just be.
To relax and roll with the waves of life.
There is no need to be tense or on guard.
… Lean back, let go, and trust Him that
everything’s going to be all right.”

Today you are invited to lean on Jesus.
Trust Him to help you roll with life.
Lean back. Let go.
Everything’s gonna be alright!

God bless you!
Love,
JanBeek

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Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, God, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, peace, Poetry, relationships

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Wake Up, Muse!

My muse has been asleep
My muse has been absent
I’ve been in a funk
My muse just up and went

Ever since my pup died
I can’t seem to get inspired
In all the world’s turmoil
I think my muse expired

But then I looked around
To see how I am blessed
I told my weary self that
This is just a test

He’s my Muse!

Ah-hah! He never left me
It was I who strayed away
Return to Faith’s assurance
And “Bee a Light” today!

I looked back at days gone by
To a time when I felt fine
And found a helpful poem
I’m adopting today as mine.

It was inspired by His Word
I read the Bible every day
Now I must remember to apply
The Words God has to say!

2 Corinthians 4:6 a

For it is God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness…”

I Can Let My Light Shine
(Written in December 2023)

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 lamp of hopefulness
In a world filled with fear and worry
I can shine the joy of faithfulness

I can “bee” 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 the 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!

Amen

My Muse is alive and well.
God Bless You!
Yours is, too!!
Let it shine!!!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, optimism, peace, Poetry, writing

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Whatever is Lovely

“Whatever is lovely… think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

The castle above Sierre, Switzerland = LOVELY!

Family time = LOVELY!!

Tania, Mike & DeDe with our #7 great-grandchild= LOVELY !
Morning in Sierre= LOVELY!
Lovely!

And cookies baked by DeDe – Mmmmm!!

Church bells announcing the hour & half hour all day long. Yay!

The view from our balcony

Beautiful!

Time with Ethan & his daddy = precious!
Reading & relaxing in Grandmaman’s kitchen = Beautiful family!
Dinner with De & André= Excellent!

Yes, think on these things!

What is lovely in your day today??

Hugs from JanBeek

Category:

blessings, Faith, Family, friendship, Gratitude, happiness, kindness, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, optimism, peace, photography, relationships, Serving One Another, Travel

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A Quiet Center

Finding your center
Can be a difficult task
Inside or outside

Is your quiet place
Inside your pure heart of hearts
Or out in nature?

Wherever it is
I hope you discover it
And go there often

Photo by Gary Barnes on Pexels.com

It may be inside
Looking out through clouded glass
Tuning in to YOU

Or it may be out
In the beauty of nature
Soaking in God’s grace

Wherever it is
Go to your quiet center
Away from chaos

Photo by Lisa on Pexels.com

I love the words of this hymn of grace.
If you are in a place where you can tap on the arrow and hear it,
I wholeheartedly recommend you do so.
But, if you cannot link to it and listen,
at least read these beautiful lyrics!

“Come and find the quiet center
In the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter,
Find the frame where we are freed.
Clear the chaos and the clutter,
Clear our eyes that we can see
All the things that really matter.
Be at peace and simply be.

Silence is a friend who claims us,
Cools the heat and slows the pace.
God it is who speaks and names us,
Knows our being, touches base;
Making space within our thinking
Lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking,
Finding scope for faith begun.

In the spirit let us travel,
Open to each other’s pain.
Let our loves and fears unravel,
Celebrate the space we gain.
There’s a place for deepest dreaming,
There’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming
There is always room to spare.”

Words by Shirley Erena Murray
Music attributed to B.F. White

You can live at peace
Even in the midst of strife
Find center in life

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
He had also told His followers
“…in this world you will have many troubles.
But take heart! I have overcome the world”
(John 16:33).
So peace is not the absence of trouble;
it is the presence of God.

Come and find your space.
Yes, we have some room to spare!
Come and visit us!

God bless you, my friend.
You are in my heart of hearts,
My quiet center.

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, God, Haiku, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace

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April 1st – A Day to Choose

Choose wisely! Don’t let yourself be fooled!

Today is a special day in our family. My great-granddaughter, Mable, turns a big TWO today. She is the child of our chosen granddaughter, Faith. What a blessed day it was when she, as a newborn, was gifted into our Beekman family!!

Mable is such a love!!!
BUT, don’t be fooled, Mable.
Those blocks are not for eating!!

Also in the picture below is my “chosen” granddaughter, Kayla. Her 28th birthday is today. Mable and Kayla were born on this special day to be conduits of God’s love!

I am with our daughter #2, Laina, and her daughter, Kayla. Don’t be fooled… that was several years ago! But, hey… aren’t we a happy trio? Laina and Kayla (and her sister Katy) are dear ones we have chosen to be part of our family. We are so blessed by them!

Do you have “chosen ones” who have added love and joy to your family?

Do you know that YOU are a chosen one, too?

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Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Pexels.com


In her message today, “Corine @ Therapy For Christians” cwilliams@therapyforchristians.com had this message for us about the idea of being “chosen”:

“…as you navigate the complexities of life, know that you are not merely a recipient of grace but also a conduit of it to those around you, you are called to bear fruit – fruit that will last. Just as God’s grace has chosen you, you are empowered to extend that same grace to others. 

This week, contemplate on practical ways to become vessels of God’s love and grace. Choose to share His grace through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need. In doing so, you actively participate in God’s redemptive plan, becoming a tangible reflection of His love in a world that often hungers for acceptance and understanding.

Allow His grace to permeate every aspect of your being, guiding you toward a life that bears fruit and brings glory to His name. Trust in His sovereign plan for your life, knowing that you are chosen, loved, and appointed to walk in His purpose. And remember, growth in any area of life, starts with growth in Him…”

So, on this April Fool’s Day, be careful what and who you choose. Be mindful! Don’t be fooled!

John 15:16 KJV
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

We are chosen! Hallelujah! Now let’s go out and spread the love!!

Happy April 1st!
It’s a day for choosing.
Choose love, not pranks!
God Bless You!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Faith, Family, God, Gratitude, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, relationships

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Quote

Let There Be Peace

The word for today is PEACE.
In a world of chaos, dear Lord,
Let there be peace on earth.
Let me be an instrument of that peace.

We may not be able to control
What everyone else on earth does,
But we can control what we do.
Are you determined to be a peacemaker?

I want to be a peacemaker.
In spite of the chaos in this world,
I want to make peace where I am.
That may be all I can control.

And I can pray to our Father in Heaven,
“Let there be peace on earth!
Place the message of peace
In the hearts of today’s rulers.”

“Lord. I know you have overcome the world.
I know you also have given man free will.
Lord, place common sense and compassion
In the wills of those who are waging war!

Let there be peace on earth!!
And help me find peace in my little corner of it!”

As St. Francis of Assisi prayed,
“Make me a Channel of Your Peace.”
I love Susan Boyle’s voice singing that prayer.
Take a minute to listen to it… and internalize it!

To find peace in my place in the world,
I may have to turn off some of the news.
I MAY HAVE TO SHARPEN MY SENSE OF HUMOR,
And pass some chuckles on to my friends!

Just once,
I want a username and password prompt
to say
CLOSE ENOUGH.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels.com

I may have to find reasons to laugh
In spite of the sadness and devastation.
I may have to look for reasons to laugh,
Reasons to pass along a sense of optimism.

I want to be a realistic optimist!

The pessimist complains about the wind
The optimist expects the wind to change
The realist adjust his sails

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

Love to you,
Jan Beek

What will you do today to add peace
to your little corner of the world?
I am looking for the peace
of editing this post
and getting rid of the
oversized font!
What’s happening??

woman in gray tank top
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand.

Written

on October 13, 2023

Greet the Dawn

Greet the dawn

With awe and wonder

Watch the colors dance

Catch the nuanced changes

As the sun emerges
Ready to prance!

Good Morning!!

We could sit out on the patio
With our coffee or tea
I could share a story or two
And you could share with me

We’d recall how my favorite shrub
Turned magenta from its greens
And then we’d marvel at how
It shines before fall takes its leaves

Greet the dawn with awe and wonder
Step into my world with glee
Soon we’ll see rain and hear the thunder
But for now, come marvel at the day with me.

God bless you!
Have a wonderful day.

Love,
JanBeek

Sing with me:
“This is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Category:

blessings, contentment, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, peace, Poetry

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