Why I left my last job? The company shifted the office and didn’t tell me where it was. Where I see myself in five years? I’d say my biggest weakness…
The Interview
I just have to pass this along today. It gave me more than a few LOLs😂 and chuckles. I needed that this morning. It’s more than a little zany!! Have a great week my friends.
Thanks, Gottfried. Love, JanBeek 🙃😂
And he sat down opposite the treasury
and watched the people putting money into the offering box.
Many rich people put in large sums.
And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins,
which make a penny.
And he called his disciples to him
and said to them,
“Truly, I say to you,
this poor widow has put in more
than all those who are contributing to the offering box.
For they all contributed out of their abundance,
but she out of her poverty
has put in everything she had,
all she had to live on.”
Our dear neighbor, Scott, came by today.
He brought his shovel and gave us his all!
All the energy he had stored up he poured out!
Our front porch was buried in snow.
Our TazE’s exit from the kitchen door was blocked
with over a foot of snow.
The sidewalk approaching our house
was covered with over 2 feet of snow
that the wind had blown as a drift yesterday.
When Scott left, the porch and entry were cleared.
The sidewalk is passable, so UPS and FedEx
can deliver the package we are expecting today.
And TazE was able to go out
and do her business.
Hooray!
The robins who were hovering
under the patio chairs yesterday
are dancing in the trees today.
The sun is out – melting the snow
that had clung to the branches.
Happy Holy Week, my friends.
Scott gave us his all!
He was exhausted when he finished.
God bless him!
Jesus gave His all!
How much energy – how many coins –
are we willing to give?
I send my love to you, my friends.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
See ya tomorrow … Maundy Thursday…
Hugs, JanBeek
Are you flexible?
Enjoy the unexpected –
Invite surprises!
The unexpected
May feel like it’s hot water.
How do you react?
Find the surprises
That are positive in there.
Look for the blessings.
What unexpected
Things have you experienced
During this past year?
This 100 year old silo in Malta, Montana
is the source of our new wood floors.
Paul (standing on the top of the silo)
is repurposing the wood – one floor at a time.
He was scheduled to use some of the wood
to replace our wood floors last year.
Instead he fell, broke some ribs, and was
having massive headaches. Couldn’t work!
The unexpected fall caused the doctors
to take a good look at his head
to try and determine why the headaches.
The images showed a brain tumor!
If not for the fall, the tumor might not
have been discovered – at least not so soon.
After surgery successfully removed the tumor
and the ribs healed, Paul was able to work again.
We had seen the wood being installed
in the cabin of some friends nearby.
Bob fell in love with the character
of that 100 year old floor with the nail holes.
It was totally unexpected that we would
one day be enjoying that beauty in our home,
but it is done now – and Paul has totally recovered.
Count your blessings – they come in many forms!
“May he grant you your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans!
Psalm 20:4 ESV
See how beautiful our floors look with
the warmth of the milk chocolate walls?
And it goes so well with the rug
we brought up from downstairs!
Tell me about an unexpected blessing
you have experienced recently.
It doubles our blessings
when we share them.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
What is wasting time?
Is it just doing nothing?
Or is it something…
Something other than
What is expected of you?
Whose expectations?
Where do we get clues
About what is important?
Important to whom?
Some tasks are vital
For our health and survival.
Others just are not.
How can we be sure
What we’re doing is important
In the scheme of things?
Who’s our Director?
Who are we listening to?
The devil says, “Me!
I will tell you what
I want you to do today.”
Just ignore him, please!
He may come disguised
As a cute, simple request –
But he’s full of tricks!
He loves to entice
Us away from important
Things he says are “Waste.”
Waste time on others –
Waste time listening to God –
Waste time in deep prayer.
Waste time every day
Reading your devotionals –
Also your Bible.
That’s where direction
Becomes crystal clear to you.
Go ahead, waste time!
“Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern
what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
What is the Lord telling you to do today?
Procrastination –
Is it an issue with you?
I have mastered it!
I’ll get to it next.
That”s just what I tell myself.
But, when does next come?
I often delay
Doing what needs to be done –
With good excuses.
Is that familiar?
And I’m not the only one.
Bob knows that routine!
“Just put a towel out –
It will soak up the water.
I am going skiing.”
That’s two years ago.
A sump pump is what’s needed.
Will a snow fence work?
This is it last week –
After putting up snow fence –
Before last snow fall.
Please get me a towel
To soak up the melting snow
Before it warms up!
Procrastination
Lives in my part of the world
Inside – not just out!
No, not my office –
But it certainly could be.
Mine’s almost as bad!
Do you have places
That you are sure to avoid?
Rather do your blog?
You are not alone.
It’s an immortal problem.
Procrastination!!
The Bible addressed the issue:
“Be strong and courageous,
and do the work.
Do not be afraid
or discouraged,
for the Lord God…
is with you.”
1 Chronicles 28:20
Pray for God to help
You and me do what we must
That we’re avoiding.
Get it off your chest.
Step up – Act wholeheartedly –
Just tackle the mess!
I promise I will –
After finishing coffee.
Hah! Ignore the mess…
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
Now, go get busy!!
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
P.S. By the way, did you realize as you were reading this that every three line stanza is a kind of Haiku with a syllabic pattern of 5-7-5? If you didn’t that’s OK. It means I didn’t force it. That was fun!
It’s first day of spring.
You may have some daffodils –
But we have some snow!
It’s cold and blowy –
Not inviting to go out –
But what about drifts?
Just inside this door
The carpet’s vulnerable –
Melting snow flows in.
No, Bob, don’t shovel!
Our neighbor is young and strong.
Pay him for the job.
He hauled sledfulls out
After the last heavy storm;
He has a system.
“No, I won’t bother –
I want to do it myself.”
Not good for your heart!
But, does he listen?
Oh no! He’s independent.
Happy Springtime, folks!
Inside the foyer,
Looking out at blowing snow,
It’s pretty – but cold!
Come back inside, Bob.
Tomorrow’s a better day.
Snow won’t melt tonight!
What’s YOUR springtime like?
Praying for sunshine.
Whatever the weather is
Praying for world peace.
Join me!
With Love & Hugs,
Life is a snow storm
Each moment a falling flake
Some flutter slowly down
Others dash in piles and cake
Life’s a raging storm
Snow piles high and deep
Troubles mount and stack up
Creating challenges so steep
Friends who saw our plight
Came to lend a hand – Woohoo!
Thank God for Whooter,
the Welnas & Knapton two.
All around the world
Reach out to take a stand
You may not need a snowplow
Just a shovel and a hand
Our ramp was filled with snow
That froze and turned to ice
Those neighbors came to save us
So helpful – yes, so nice!
We couldn’t be more grateful
They cleared a pathway, too
So we could back the car out
We’re doubly blessed; aren’t you?
As world-wide neighbors we see
Friends far and near needing aid
We step up whenever we can
Not expecting to be paid
But in today’s troubled world
We see the flakes raging high
The snow storm of war creates
Ice mounds pounding the sky
No bobcat or shovel budges
The pile of flakes turned to ice
Sending in helpers costs lives
We weigh options and think twice
Will things be alright
In Ukraine and the USA?
What can we do to stop
This mournful storm today?
Pray for this stormy crises to end
Pray for a true world peace
Pray for leaders with malicious intent
To come to their senses. Release!
Release intentions to kill
Release the need to do harm
Disperse the storm clouds today
Commit today to disarm.
Pray for:
Freedom over tyranny
Peace over war
Calm over storm
Life over death
Love over hate
In Jesus name,
Amen
Be warm,
be safe,
be well,
and pray for peace
in today’s stormy world.
Hugs!
Thank you for visiting JanBeek today
See you tomorrow (God willing)
Today a team of five willing helpers moved every bit of our furniture and appliances from our kitchen, dining room and living room. It was a monumental task!
New wood flooring will be installed over this old, soft fir, scarred floor while we are gone to CA for Christmas and New Years. This is what the new/old wood will look like when it is finished:
The wood is from a hundred year old silo in Malta, Montana. Bob saw it and fell in love with it. He decided it is what our house needs. When all is said and done, I hope it is as lovely as he anticipates – and it is worth the time, money, effort, and stress involved in such a major renovation! Our existing floor doesn’t look bad in the video, but it really is in bad shape – and the wood is soft – scars really easily. The replacement wood (going right over the top of this) will give us a brighter, lighter look. Happy New Year!
God bless our willing helpers who are making all this possible!
The crew who did all that work to move things today are saints! As I said, it was a major task! And the man who is harvesting the wood from this old silo is a wizard! His name is Paul. Do keep in in prayer. I just pray he maintains his health and is able to finish the project. It was originally planned for when we were on our trip to England and Switzerland last September, but Paul, FELL while doing the wood harvesting and broke some ribs and had other health issues that required surgery. So, of course, our project was postponed while he recuperated.
It’s fun to know the history of the wood – and to look forward to a new look in our home. But, it involves a whole lot more than what meets the eye… because one thing always leads to another, you know? I am reminded of Derrick & Jackie Knight’s recent renovation of their kitchen and entry and upstairs rooms. Derrick shared the step-by-step, day-by-day progress with us on his blog. Quite an undertaking!
We’ll be gone and Paul will be living here in our absence – – – doing his magic. I’ll show you the finished product (God willing) when we return next year, mid to late January. Meantime, do keep our safe travels in your prayers, will you? I’ll keep in touch along the way.
Have a Blessed Sunday. Bob & I will attend church this morning … and then do a little clean-up in our kitchen area to have it cleared and ready for Paul’s arrival tomorrow. What are your Sunday plans?
God bless you and keep you safe.
See you tomorrow (God willing)
Tomorrow is our day to pack!
Love,
JanBeek
“I am about to do a new thing;
Isaiah 43:19
now it springs forth,
do you not perceive it?”
Are you beginning?
Some “new things” aren’t really new…
They’re reinventions.
Used to volunteer
Before COVID changed our world,
Helping some dear folks.
Now visitations
Are being allowed again.
So I’m beginning.
Today’s a fresh start.
Most of my friends are not there.
Time to make new ones!
So, with eagerness
And joy, I begin again.
I have love to give.
The Holy Spirit
Planted an impulse in me.
Answer your heart’s call.
Where can you begin
To use your talents to help
Spread joy to others?
Bruises almost totally gone…
God is the Master rejuvenator!
Begin with passion and determination.
Tell me what you will do
to
EMBRACE BEGINNINGS
today!
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
This week school started
Children back in their classrooms
Masks are required
Teachers wear their masks
Most children are feeling safe
God bless our teachers
Some must test daily
States requirements differ
God bless our teachers
Some still distance learn
Listening to a screen is hard
Harder than up close
Virtual lessons
Leave many students outside
Levels of comfort
Not all the children
Have the proper equipment
Nor their private space
Some live in chaos
Choose invisibility
Fearful of teasing
The choice should be theirs
But how do teachers teach blanks
God bless our teachers
Embrace our teachers
They yearn to be close and touch
Give encouragement
Send a thank you card
To a teacher in your town
Appreciate them
Times are difficult
When masks and distance require
Such separation
Some things must be taught
Up close, very personal
COVID-19 SUCKS!
Please
Send a thank you now
To a teacher in your life
Embrace your teachers!
Thank you for your prayers
for my bruised face.
It’s getting better everyday.
Pray for our teachers!
They have a tough assignment
in the midst of this pandemic.
They need our love and support.
And parents, please, set a loving example
for the sake of your children…
No more fighting!!
In the news this week
We saw some parents slugging
Over mask ideas
The damage to kids
When adults behave like this
Is so long lasting!
parenting.firstcry.com › articles › impacts-of
YOU are your children’s first teacher!
You are your child’s life-long teacher,
Your behavior sets your most lasting legacy.
Parents, be your children’s BEST teacher!!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Hugs to You !!
Inspire to Love
Let the SonShine!
You inspire me to respond
Learning to Live; Living to Learn; Learning to Love; Living in Love
JanBeek 