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Porcelain Dancers


Porcelain dancers –
Gift from Mom:
“You’re
forever
these!”

She gifted me
On my fortieth.

The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break anywhere in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.

My porcelain girls are a 1979 gift from my mom for my 40th birthday. Created by German artist, Lorenz Hutschenreut, they are called “Ring Around the Rosie” – This 3 Girls May Day dance figurine is priceless to me!

Mom knitted my sweater,
fixed my hair,
arranged for the photographer,
captured our love
forever in this photo.

But, the real capture of love for me
was more than just in my childhood…
She continued to gift me
with her strength,
her optimism, and
her encouragement
for the rest of her life.

When I take out my dancing girls
and decorate the vase with flowers,
I am taken back to my fortieth,
back to my childhood,
back to time with Mom.

What a treasure!

Here Mom is with my sis, Sally, and me – – –
and my daughter, DeDe.
I like to think that
we three are the “Dancing Girls.”

Ah, such sweet memories!

Do you have a special item of some sort
that brings you back to your childhood?

Something that’s priceless to you
because of the memories packed into it?

Tell me about it.
Maybe try your hand at a septolet!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

art, blessings, children, Family, flowers, Love, Memories, optimism, Poetry, relationships, writing

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Kindness


The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break anywhere in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.

.
.
.
Kindness
Lovingly given
Gratefully received
Reap what you sow

We rise
Lifting others
Carry
.
.
.

What picture did those words create for you?




Here
is
the
picture
that
came
to
my
mind.



:o)

And this is the scripture that came to mind:

Luke 6:25
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”

Jesus is my inspiration.
God’s Word is my go-to for direction.
It inspires me to be kind,
not just to my family, friends, and loved ones,
but also to those who annoy me…
maybe most to them!

Thank you, David, from skepticskaddish.com,
for introducing me to this new (to me) poetry form.
It was fun to give The Septolet  a try.

Hey, WP Friends,
why don’t you try it, too?
I’d love to see your word picture.

Tim McGraw sings the message in a most beautiful song.
This is new to me, too.
Have you heard it before?
The images that accompany it
are so inspiring.
You’ll be glad if you
take time to see and listen!

Hugs to you…
Have a Wonderful Weekend.
Always be Humble and Kind!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, children, Faith, friendship, happiness, Jesus, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, relationships, respect, Serving One Another, Spiritual Gifts, writing

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Shared Talent


Today I was introduced to an artist I had never heard of before.
Tin Yan Chan’s art astounded me.
Here’s a sample:

Nature’s Wonders by Tin Yan Chan

To see more of his art, check out today’s post
at “Humoring the Goddess”
https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/4496017/posts/4509265488

Tin Yan Chans art is amazing.
I was inspired to create this poem after enjoying his works.

Deep within the Rockies
Where no traffic flows
Is a peaceful hidden lake
Where gorgeous lupine grows

The lake is filled with fish
And if you know your way,
You can walk to find real joy
Come join me friends, let’s play

The lake is beautiful in every season
You can visit it for no reason
Other than to enjoy its beauty
Ot wait til its trees are fruity

It’s an artist’s paradise
The scenery is always nice
Sit quietly and wait for the butterflies
Look carefully – they’re a sight for sore eyes!

Claudia at Humoring the Goddess did some research and shared the fact that Tin Yan Chan, a master artist, had his God-given talents recognized in Canada in the late 20th century. She wrote, “… at 16 he was admitted to the Wuhan South Central China Academy of Fine Arts.”

I am so fascinated by this artist’s work that I intend to do a little research of my own. His website shows several additional paintings and about a dozen in a section labeled “sold.” Wouldn’t you enjoy having one of his masterpieces in your home?

Tin Van Chan has developed his artistic talent and made his creations available to the world. What talent do YOU have that you’ve developed and generously shared?

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.” Erma Bombeck

Today I used my rusty talent (playing the accordion) at church. Our pianist was unable to attend, so I was asked to step up. My accordion has been dropped and some of the keys sound a bit weird – but I stepped up and did my best. Hopefully it was better than trying to sing all the hymns A Cappella!

An easier talent to share is the one that has a harder time getting rusty: Teaching! On Tuesdays I share my love of scripture with my 10-year-old friend, Hailey, and in the evening with my lady friends at our local nursing home. Through the years I have developed my spiritual gift of teaching, and as you have heard many times, I’m sure, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.” Like Erma Bombeck, I want to “use everything [God] gave me.” Our talents are given to us to be shared.

So, share your talent
Your talent’s God’s gift to you
It’s meant to be shared.

For many of you, it’s writing prose or poetry.
For some of you, it’s photography.
For others, it’s music or public speaking.
I really appreciate those whose talent is
fixing my car or unplugging the drain on my sink!
Some are math wizards or skilled carpenters>
All God’s gifts of talent are meant to be shared,
What’s yours?

Share with me what talent you thank God for giving to you.
How are you sharing it?

Musically Yours –
With Love,
JanBeek

Category:

art, Bible Lessons, blessings, Fishing, flowers, Giving, God, Gratitude, Love, music, nature, Poetry, Serving One Another, Sharing, Spiritual Gifts, trees, writing

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I will always love you —


( A Simple Poem inspired by a discussion between our 4 year old when she made mistakes that even the biggest mistakes aren’t enough to make us love her less – a window into God’s unconditional love and grace for us.) Pee on me, I’ll wipe you and me clean and make funny faces to […]

I will always love you —

Click on those blue words up there (I will always love you) and go to read this lovely poem in its entirety.

Thank you, GrowingGood Families, growgoodfamilies.blog for letting me share.

Category:

blogging, children, Family, Living in Harmony, Love, Poetry, relationships, writing

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Liquid Love – Dwight Roth


Love is not something solid that you give to someone such as a gift at Christmas. It is not a gift card from Target with a dollar amount written on …

Liquid Love

Category:

blogging, d'verse poetry, Giving, kindness, Love, Poetry, relationships, Sharing, writing

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Reblog #10 – Prayer


Prayer

openhands-thanking

Prayer is the topic of a book study we are doing with our pastor these weeks of November 2022. But, back in 2015, it was also a topic of discussion and the title of our guest minister’s sermon. Take a step back – and join me:

Prayer was the title of our sermon on Sunday, August 16, 2015 by Rev. Carol Shellenberger of Bozeman, MT. Here are the notes I took while I listened to her very meaningful and inspiring message:

Turning to the Lord in prayer
Is a habit I cultivate.
Turning to the Lord with concern
Is wise, before it’s too late.

But turning to the Lord in praise
Is a minute-by-minute habit.
It’s not just a request for courage
When we’re afraid. It’s a joy. Grab it!

Prayer is a source of inspiration.
Our Father has so much to give.
Prayer is a way to receive it…
The gift of wisdom; abundance to live.

Some folks expect too much or too little,
Looking for extraordinary results
Or doubting that God even hears.
But prayer is a part of us – like our pulse.

Turning to the Lord in prayer
Tells God we are here – and so is He.
We know He is wherever we are.
I know my Lord cares and answers me.

Prayer is not just a matter of speaking;
It’s conversation, but it’s silence, too.
If you never stop talking in prayer to God,
You never hear what He’s saying to you,

In Luke 11, Jesus teaches His disciples
To pray in a wise, simple way.
Recognize the power of God
And reflect on what this version has to say.

It’s a personal, approachable prayer
To Abba, our Papa, our Dad.
It invites us to be honest with God,
Especially when we’ve been remorsefully bad.

Be specific in naming your sins.
From your core, tell Him of your failure and fear.
Then look for the way your Savior responds.
Notice His Spirit within you. Feel His Love near.

God may not answer in ways you expect.
Our Lord is not Santa Claus in disguise.
Listen and look for God’s exquisite response.
He cares, He hears, and His response always is wise.

In faith, hope and trust,
Just PRAY!

Amen.

Take your troubles to the Lord today.
The Holy Spirit is in you – always ready.
The God of Creation who created you
Is here to help you … Helpfulness is steady.

There is nothing quite like prayer in song –
especially when it is Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion!

I have you in my prayers tonight, my friends.

Look up for your purpose!

Be safe. Be well…
See you tomorrow.
Love, JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, God, Jesus, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, sermon notes, writing

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Our Daughter’s Response


Our daughter, DeDe, in Switzerland read the blog I posted titled “Nostalgia” a few days ago. She tried to to post her response acrostic. WordPress wouldn’t post it. I am not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with the “110%” note at the top margin of the blog?? Anyway, here is what I tried to do for her, and it wouldn’t allow mine to post either!

DeDe, I love your acrostic! Sorry it didn’t post here. Let me see if I can write it for you so my WP readers can see it:

C aring
H appy
I nspiring
L oving
D addywaddypaddy
H ealthy
O nly
O verflowing
D elight

What a lovely memory of childhood our dear DollyWolly wrote!

I need to find a photo of DeDe with her DaddyWaddyPaddy!!

There we are together at the Geneva airport last August!

Aren’t daughters a blessing?
We thank God every day for ours!!

Category:

blessings, blogging, children, Family, Gratitude, happiness, Love, Poetry, relationships, writing

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Reblog #6 – The Power of God’s Love


Posted back in 2014, “The Power of God’s Love” was my response to reading Bob Goff’s book, “Love Does.”
In today’s world here in the USA, one day away from one of the most crucial national elections in our democracy’s history, this message definitely is worth reblogging!!

May this message touch your heart strings and help you share a message of UNITY with those you encounter this week!

My 2014 Post:

Your hands are God’s heartststrings on earth.
The love of God is demonstrated by YOUR love.

I just finished a New York Times bestseller by Bob Goff titled “Love Does.”
My granddaughter loaned it to me at Christmas time with the highest of compliments:
“I know you’ll enjoy this book, Grammy.
I want you to read it and be sure to return it to me when I see you in February.
I have other friends I want to loan it to, also.”

How wonderful that she knew this book would resonate with me.
Chapter by chapter my husband and I enjoyed the book more than you can imagine.
We vowed to read a chapter a day. There are 31 chapters.
Some days we couldn’t put it down.

In 20 days we were finished with the book
and now we are going back to reread some sections
and internalize the messages.
You will want to do the same. Here are a few excerpts:

“…make a difference by getting to the ‘do’ part of faith…love is never stationary…love doesn’t just keep thinking about it…Simply put, love does.”

“The world can make you think that love can be picked up at a garage sale or enveloped in a Hallmark card. But the kind of love that God created and demonstrated is a costly one because it involves sacrifice and presence.”

“What I’ve noticed… is that almost every time I type in the word love, it gets changed to live. It’s a kind of reminder to me… Fully loving and fully living are not only synonymous but the kind of life that Jesus invited us to be part of…”

So, I am off to be fully loving and fully living today. I will put God’s love into action today by sharing it with friends and looking for ways to live the way Bob Goff does. The subtitle on the cover of his book says, “Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World.” I want to be secretly incredible today. Don’t you?

Love Does. I like that title.
It’s my walking orders.
The power of God’s love is in your hands and mine.
Let’s go DO God’s love today.

You with me?

If you are in the USA, be sure you have made your voice heard by casting your ballot.

God loves us… God loves you… I love you!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

blogging, Faith, God, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, writing

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Reblog #5 – Bee Thankful


November is designated as a month to reblog some of my favorite posts from years past. Here is one from November of 2013.

Bee Thankful

Image

Bee thankful
Bee cheerful
Bee prayerful
Life is just a bowl of honey!

Bee grateful
Bee forgiving
Bee carefree
Life is more than food and money!

Bee faithful
Bee mindful
Bee generous
Life is all about giving!

Bee compassionate
Bee humble
Bee a dreamer/doer
Life is Christ-like living!

Bee consistent
Bee persistent
Bee observant
Life is a constant prayer!

Bee joyful
Bee honest
Bee transparent
God is always there!

Image
I am Thankful… for every new day.
How about you?

God bless you! Have a lovely Sunday.
See you with gratitude tomorrow.

Love and hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

blogging, Giving, God, Gratitude, Love, optimism, peace, Poetry, writing

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Reblog #4 – Nostalgia


Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

NanoPoblano2022 has invited us to reblog an old post each day during this month of November. I’m having fun going back through some of my first posts… Here is one from our vacation in southern California in 2014. The roadrunner picture in the original post was not available so I borrowed one from Pexels. Thanks!

January 27 2014

There was a Time Magazine article by Lily Rothman in which the author quoted artist, Brendan O’Connell, “Nostalgia makes memory warm.” O’Connell stopped to say parenthetically, “That’s actually a significant thought,” and I paused. Hmm – memories, nostalgia, warmth. Yes, it’s true. Not all memories are warm, but all nostalgic memories are warm. Do you agree? When you think of warm memories, what comes to mind? Here’s mine:

Childhood

Climbing
Hillsides
Into
Lands
Dense with
Hidden
Occupants
Ordering Hot
Dogs.

Hah! That’s my whimsical acrostic for today – looking back on yesterdays.

But, how about Making Memories Today?

Image

There’s no better place to make memories than where you are right now today! For me, whether it is in the warm desert on vacation in the southern California sun with roadrunners scampering by and sun casting spakles on cactus, or back home in the cold snows of Montana, each day is a memory in the making. The climate doesn’t determine the warmth of the memories. The people I am with, the events we choose, the lessons I learn, the visions I absorb: those are the nostalgia of tomorrow. I am making warm memories today – wherever I am!

Nov. 5, 2022 – our snow is almost all melted now. With today’s winds, the rest of it will blow off the roof of our house (peeking through the trees there).

That acrostic up there was mine back in 2014… but I have no idea how that could have been true. We lived in the flat central valley of California. No hillsides to climb! If I were looking back at my childhood and creating an acrostic today, it would say:

CHILDHOOD

C hasing
H ounds
I nto
L ittle
D ugouts
H aving
O odles
O f
D ead animals

Oh my! That one is reality! My dad owned a Tallow Works and one of his jobs was picking up dead animals from ranchers and farmers and bringing those animals back to the “plant” where we lived. We always had at least one dog as a pet… and they were always “hounds.” No money for pedigrees!! In our bare fields behind our house, my neighbors (cousins) and I would dig holes and create pretend worlds. That 2014 acrostic must have come out of that pretending. Sometimes our best memories are the imaginary ones, don’t you think?

If you were to write a childhood acrostic today, would yours be real? Or would you pretend?


I hope your real world is full of happy memories – warm nostalgia.
Have a great day today, my friends.

.

I had a warm, huggy, loving daddy. My memories of him are certainly warm nostalgia!!

Thanks for visiting
JanBeek
See ya tomorrow

Category:

Animals, blogging, children, Family, Love, Memories, Montana, Poetry, Sharing, writing

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