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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!!

What Jobs?

Today’s JetPack prompt was:

What jobs have you had?

Teacher – 24 years – loved every minute!
1961, Stockton, CA – 1st grade
1962, Germany, Wurzburg Army Base – 1st grade
1963-64, Turlock, Cunningham School – kindergarten
1964-67, Daly City, CA – K, 4th, 7th-8th
1968- 79, Hillsborough, CA – 7th/8th, K, 4th, K-6 summer school
1979-81, Hughson, CA – 1st grade & GATE classes
1982- 99, Ceres, CA – 4th grade, principal (K-8), then…

This is Lorei with me.
She was my first grade student in 1961
when I first started teaching in Stockton
before Bob & I were married.

Like so many of the students
who came after her,
my life is richer because
she has stayed connected all these years.

Teaching is not just a job.
It is a life choice, a passion, a joy!

Some of these dear kindergarteners are my Facebook friends today.
Reach out Ortners, Leslie, Pamela Pon (where are you?), Sean, Kurt, Karen…
You’re all in my heart!


… then, yes, after years in the classroom,
I spent 9 years as a Principal – – – had wonderful colleagues —

The Ceres Unified School District
was a delightful place to work.
I have so many fond memories!

This was a great staff!!

I was invited to try my hand at
working as a mentor to new principals
and as the coordinator for various programs
such as art, new teacher training,
federal and state programs, etc.
So, I went to the district office
as a curriculum coordinator.
It was too far away from the children!
I returned to my first love: the classroom.

I had these little second graders
I picture below here for two years
(as 1st & 2nd graders)…
it was a wonderful way to end a delightful career.

Recognition for a job well done
came in many forms,
but the best is knowing
I made a difference
in the lives of a few children
and maybe helped some of my colleagues
along the way, too.

I enjoyed my life as an educator immensely.
I retired in 1999, but didn’t stop working.
I supervised student teachers for a few years
at Stanislaus State College
before volunteering
for a couple of years
to teach illiterate adults how to read.
Loved doing that! So rewarding!!

But the most important of my “jobs” in my lifetime was:

… wife, mom, homemaker, sister, friend …
Never underestimate the impact
& importance of those jobs!
Take them seriously.
Some people say that there –
-on the home front-
there lies the most important
job of all!!

That photo is the whole Beekman clan
at Bob’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
I love this photo …
our daughter, DeAna, and her “Swisster” Sylviane,
and our son, Ty, are on the right of this picture next to us.
So, this had to have been around 1984…

And now, volunteering is part of my life …
and those jobs I choose,
like the Senior Center
or the Food Bank,
the Manor (our local nursing home)
or church fellowship hour,
those “jobs”
are what continue to give me
a sense of purpose.

We never stop having jobs – right?

John 6:27

27 Do not work for food that spoils,
but for food that endures to eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him God the Father
has placed his seal of approval.”

What jobs have you had?

The Interview

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 🙃😂

Giving Your All

Mark 12:41-44

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

Embrace the Unexpected

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

Bob’s enjoying the unexpected sunshine
on this day that started with snow.
God bless the blessing
of blue sky!

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)

Go Ahead – Waste Time!

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!

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

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!

Romans 12:2

“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?

So, waste it wisely!!
This is posted in honor of my sister-in-law, Bonnie.
Today marks the 1st year anniversary
of Stan, her husband’s death.
Rest in peace, Stan!
God bless you, Bonnie.
Sending love your way.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Procrastination

Procrastination –
Is it an issue with you?
I have mastered it!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

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!

1st Day of Spring

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,

Bob & Jan


Life’s a Storm

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?

Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

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.

Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com

Pray for Freedom and Peace in the Ukraine

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)

Embrace Willing Helpers

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!

Beekmans’ bare house

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:

That’s our friends, Julie & Mike’s new floor.

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!

1921 silo in Malta, Montana

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.

1921 silo

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?

Us – looking forward to fun with family in sunny California

God bless you and keep you safe.
See you tomorrow (God willing)

Tomorrow is our day to pack!
Love,

JanBeek

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