Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Archive for the ‘Sharing’ Category

I Can Be a Light – You Can, too

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 light of hopefulness
In a world filled with fear and worry
I can shine a light of faithfulness

I can be 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 your 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!

Psalms 18:28

28 You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.

I find joy in sharing that light.
I hope you do, too!

Bee well…
and Bee a Light!

Have a wonderful Sunday!
My love and a lotta hugs
are tucked in here for you.

JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, happiness, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Poetry, Serving One Another, Sharing

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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

Category:

Bible Lessons, books, children, Family, learning, Love, relationships, Sharing

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Love Returned

In his prompt today, David at

ben Alexander

ben Alexander, The Skeptic’s Kaddish 

invited us to try our hand
at a poetry form
that is new to me:

Sijo

A Korean verse form related to haiku and tanka and comprised of three lines of 14-16 syllables each, for a total of 44-46 syllables. Each line contains a pause near the middle, similar to a caesura, though the break need not be metrical. The first half of the line contains six to nine syllables; the second half should contain no fewer than five. Originally intended as songs, sijo can treat romantic, metaphysical, or spiritual themes. Whatever the subject, the first line introduces an idea or story, the second supplies a “turn,” and the third provides closure. Modern sijo are sometimes printed in six lines.

David did a fantastic job with the form. Click on his name & blog title above to read his contribution.
I told him I was not sure I was even going to try… it sounds too complicated! But… with the following meme as a prompt, here goes:

Your mind will always believe, if you are ever truthful;
But when you are deceitful, you feed it sorrow, deep grief.
Feed your mind sincere love and truth, and it will be returned to you.

Bob & I send our love and deep peace
to you and your loved ones today.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
Will you try your hand at Sijo?

Category:

blessings, contentment, Faith, happiness, Love, Poetry, Promises, Sharing, truth, writing

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Gratitude for Workers

Today is Labor Day in the USA.
It’s a day to thank our workers.
Thank all who make life better
By their diligence … never shirkers!

Regardless of the job they have,
They perform with willing heart.
I’m filled with gratitude for them.
They carefully do their part.

During COVID we took special care
To thank our healthcare workers all.
We should continue to thank them
And all the others whether large or small.

No job is less important than another.
All are crucial for the bottom line.
Teamwork, passion, determination
Are ingredients that make the results shine.

Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

Proverbs 10:4

“Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

The after effects of COVID-19
Have left some workers unwilling
To return to the office or work space;
They find teleworking more fulfilling.

woman in gray shirt sitting on bed
Photo by Andrew Neel on Pexels.com

But the worker who inspires me most
Is the on the job person who strives
To make the world a better place
By interacting with others’ lives.

Yes, it can be done at home sometimes,
But what about when you want to dine out?
The chef and wait staff better be there,
Or you’ll be high and dry… without!

So, today I want to shout out a thanks
To all the workers who make life sweeter.
Here is one… our Dolly Wolly in Switzerland.
You should go to her place and meet her!!

This is what it looked like then they bought it.
Now the restaurant has taken on a new look.
And De’s husband, Andre’ is the chef who
Puts out superb dishes – he’s quite the cook!

Here are De and Andre’ with some family
Sitting down to enjoy a meal…
You can tell by the empty plates and smiles
How good it was; how it made them feel!

So, Happy Labor Day, all you workers
Who strive to serve the public with care-
Whether out in front and quite visible
Or hidden in back rooms, with work to share!

We appreciate the way you aim to please
With passion and with determination.
What you do is important and beneficial
Regardless of your chosen occupation.

Thank you!

Hugs from
JanBeek
(volunteering at the Food Bank)

Volunteer work counts, too!
Stay-at-home Mom work counts double!!

Category:

Family, food, Giving, holidays, Love, Poetry, relationships, respect, Serving One Another, Sharing, work

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Positivity

“Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23

Just as water flows in constant motion,
We are asked to constantly move
In the direction of grace and mercy –
His love and graciousness to prove.

The springs of life flow in you
And are meant to overflow
So God’s joy and peace are what
Your very presence will show.
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Choosing positivity brightens life;
It keeps us happy and upbeat.
Even though we encounter difficulties,
We can choose victory, not defeat.

It’s up to us to decide the kind
Of person we want others to see.
If we keep our hearts open to love,
We’ll be the best that we can be.

We can choose positivity again and again
As we focus on the good things in life.
Meet life eagerly as we tackle each task
And ask God to take away any worry or strife.

2 Timothy 2:23-25 

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies;
you know that they breed quarrels.
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome
but kind to everyone,
able to teach,
patiently enduring evil,
correcting his opponents with gentleness.
God may perhaps grant them repentance
leading to a knowledge of the truth…”

Ah, TRUTH! It can be so evasive…
But a positive attitude and an open heart and mind
Can make Truth more discernible.
Seek it out with questions wise and kind.

Positive people are filled with curiosity;
They never stop asking when and why.
You can’t stop an intelligent child
From asking, “Why?” even if you try.

So foster that curiosity!
Appreciate it in your own design.
You are a Child of God, you know,
So embrace your uniqueness and SHINE!

Thank you for visiting JanBeek today.
Your positive remark in the comments below
Will add to my joy today.
Let your positivity show!!

Category:

Bible Lessons, contentment, Faith, God, happiness, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, self-acceptance, self-esteem, Serving One Another, Sharing, truth

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A Prayer for Humanity

I am sharing this post today from a new blogging friend because I think it is so beautifully written … and so powerful. S/He wrote it about three months ago, but it is timeless. Read on and see if you agree…

… I was inspired by a podcast episode that I was asked to be a part of concerning prayer. I chose …

A Prayer for Humanity

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, kindness, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, prayer, Sharing, Spiritual Gifts, writing

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New Adventures!

We got a new truck!
Well, it’s not really brand new,
But it’s new to us.

Nolan Kemp, salesman
Did a great job at Kendall
Sold us our pickup

We named him “Charlie”
Because he’s “Charlie Blue” blue
We like Charlie lots!

Name your vehicles?
It’s a habit we started
With our ATV

We named her Lucille
Because she is red-headed
And she is a BALL!

We took Lucille up
High into Montana’s sky
Great times with our friends

We also took friends
In our lovely Clack-a-Craft
Fishing the rivers

Notice the trailer
And the help hooking things up
Those days are over

That’s why we sold them
The boat and the trailer, too
Traded the pickup

Don’t need something big
Don’t need a diesel engine
“Charlie’s” gas one’s fine

Without the boat and
Without the big pickup, too
We’ll rely on you!

When you’re heading out
To go fishing for a day
Let Bob ride along!

“Charlie” will give us
Many more years of great fun
They’ll just be different

TazE’s not with us
Crossed over the rainbow bridge
She’s gone – but not us

We’re hangin’ in there
Looking for new adventures
“Charlie” will show us!

It is a new day
Lots of opportunities
Waiting to explore

Travel in “Charlie”
Seeking out new excitement
Got some fresh ideas?

Share!

Cheers!
Love to ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Fishing, friendship, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Love, Montana, pets, Poetry, Sharing, Travel

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Shipwreck Poem’s Inspiration

Hi! Welcome back… Two blogs in one day. Unusual for me! But I wanted to share with you one of the devotionals I was eluding to in my last post when I told you several readings this morning were dealing with ships, boats, storms, etc. This one is worth your time, too… Have a read:

I read this one this morning….
Saturday, August 12, 2023
I was inspired by it. I think you will be, too…
Now you are a wrecked ship, broken at the bottom of the sea. All your merchandise and crew have gone down with you. Ezekiel 27:34 (NLT)
AFTER ENJOYING A WEEKEND AT the coast, my husband and I headed home. As I drove along the highway, we spotted a large roadside sign. Its words read, “Life is a shipwreck. Sing in the lifeboat.” We exchanged a glance and smiled, reflecting on the previous several months.Together, we’d weathered a shipwreck of our own. After Dave suffered a life-altering accident, we slowed our pace. He needed to be taught a few basic skills and to learn appropriate emotional responses. Speech challenged him. Like a metaphorical bird, words perched at the tip of his tongue, then flew away before he could capture them.I became versed in the true meaning of caregiving. Caring and giving. As I looked after Dave’s needs, I saw in his eyes a new level of love—richer, more complete. Just as his trust in me grew, my faith in Jesus deepened.I felt panic as waves crashed against our boat of the life we’ve made for ourselves. For a time, I wondered if the ship Dave and I sailed was sinking. But when I cried out, Jesus was there. He wasn’t asleep, because God never sleeps (Psalm 121:4). He calmed our waves and guided our vessel to a safe harbor. This tempest hasn’t drowned our faith. It strengthened it (Proverbs 10:25). Yes, we are singing in the lifeboat—singing praises to Jesus, our Captain, and we always will. —HEIDI GAULFAITH STEP: Are you sitting in a lifeboat? Ask Jesus to settle the waves of your life and find rest on His calming seas. He’ll never let you sink.
I hope you are inspired, as I was, by this post to abandon the shipwreck and “Sing in the lifeboat!”

Hugs to you … and love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Sharing

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Optimizer!

New word! I love it!!
You are an optimizer
Can you count the ways?

You make things perfect
You make things more effective
Increase their function

You keep places neat
And make them more beautiful
Optimize your space

How do I do that?
Make a positive impact?
Read this fine scripture:

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.

Yes, JUST DO IT!!

Today’s prompt was this:
“What things will improve with age?”
I do! And fine wine!

Do you optimize
The world that is around you?
Make it more lovely?

An Optimizer
Smiles and laughs and spreads sheer joy
You do that daily!

Photo by Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

I thank you for visiting JanBeek today.
May I ask a favor of you?
My blood pressure was through the roof this week
and we can’t figure out why! 204/84 … “Stroke City!”

Please pray with me that we (the doctors and I)
figure out what’s causing it, OK?
We’ve optimized by blood pressure medicine…
Dear Lord, help it to “improve with age” – OK?
Amen!

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Category:

Bible Lessons, friendship, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, music, Poetry, relationships, self-acceptance, Serving One Another, Sharing

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No Authority

The prompt today was:

“On What Subject are You an Authority ?”

We just said good-bye to our guests from Switzerland who stayed with us for a week. We did a lot of sharing with one another while they were here. But, even though each of us has had a lifetime of experiences in various fields (technology, social work, teaching, coaching, and beekeeping), none of us tried to come across as an authority on anything! What a turn-off that attitude would be!!

If you have the attitude that you have more knowledge than anybody else around you on a certain subject, and you speak with unabashed authority, I hope you’re being asked to do so, and you’re paid a lot for your opinion! I hope that knowledge gives you an opportunity to have authority with your authority! But…

… in my experience, the one who flaunts his authority (rather than living as an open-minded, humble, life-long learner) seldom finds life very satisfying. Tim McGraw spells it out pretty clearly in his song, “Always Stay Humble and Kind.” You can listen to it below.

Proverbs 22:4 
ESV

“The reward for humility
and
fear of the Lord 
is riches and honor and life.”

I am rich in friends
I am rich in love of life
Christ is my life’s authority.
Where do your riches lie?

It was an interesting prompt today.
How would you have answered it?

Look up for your purpose!

Keep looking up!
Keep learning.
Stay humble and kind!

Thanks for your visit today to
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, friendship, Gratitude, happiness, Jesus, kindness, learning, life, Life's Challenges, Love, music, relationships, respect, Sharing, Spiritual Gifts

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