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Posts tagged ‘adoption’

Risky Business!

Today’s Prompt was:

“Describe a risk you took that you do not regret.”

I had children.

Giving birth is risky business.
Raising children is risky business.
They’re expensive!
They’re trouble.

Do I regret deciding to raise two children?
No!
They are a gift from God!

Here’s that spunky boy in today’s world:

Our son and his wife also took the risk.
They decided to raise a family.
But they were not able to have biological children.
So, they took the risk of adopting…
Not just one, but four children!
Adopting is risky business!!
God bless them!

Do they regret it?
You’ll have to ask them!

But, I know that decision of theirs
impacted our whole extended family!

When our granddaughter, Hope, was 18,
she decided she was grown up enough
to make her own decisions,
so she took a risk and left home.
She decided to live with a girlfriend.
(That’s her in stripes in that photo,
and the two little ones are hers: Xander & Sienna.)

Well, that living arrangement didn’t last.
Moving out is risky business.
In just a few months,
Hope was homeless,
couch-hopping, and in trouble.
We took the risk and invited her
to come to live with us in Montana.
It’s a risk we “do not regret.”

That little baby you prayed for this week
is Hope’s #3 … Charlotte.
Thank you, Hope, for taking the risk
of raising a family.
As David Jeremiah wrote in “Ever Faithful”
this week:

Life Takes Time…

“Be patient with yourself and with others.
Put down roots.
Stay in one place.
And remember…
nothing takes the place of
God’s work over time.”

Yesterday I texted Hope:

“Hope, how are you and Charlotte doing?”
“We are doing good!!! She’s eating and sleeping well!”
“How are Xander and Sienna?”
“Ok! They’re doing good!
I’m recovering well!
And the kids, too.
They love her!“

Yes, life is risky business.
Raising kids is risky business.
And we never stop parenting
as long as we and our children are alive.

Yesterday that little girl in Santa’s lap
up in that 1968 photo
was driving to a lunch date
in Switzerland (where she lives)
when a car dashed out into her path.

Oh my! Learning to drive is a risk.
Do you ever regret teaching your kids to drive?

Now, I need you to pray for DeAna and her transportation, OK?

And don’t forget to praise God.
She’s OK, even if the car is not!

See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

No, I don’t regret having children.
Yes, Ty & De are God’s gifts.
But, every day’s a risk, isn’t it?

Life is risky business!!

God bless you all…

Category:

blessings, children, Family, God, Gratitude, health, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, relationships

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New Great-Grandbaby

Yesterday our granddaughter
gave birth to our great-grandbaby #5,
a perfect little girl.
Hope and Drew named her Charlotte.
Don’t you love that name?

  • Psalms 127:3-5 3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Dear Baby Charlotte, this poem is for you:



Bob & I have two children, Ty & DeAna.
Also God blessed us with
a beautiful, smart, loving daughter-in-law, Monika,
and a clever, fun-loving, creative, talented son-in-law, Andre’

From those two children and their spouses
we have seven grandchildren
and now five great-grandchildren.

We feel so blessed to have lived long enough to
see our family expand in such a beautiful way.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This is some of the California crew
two Christmases ago
before our granddaughter, Faith (in the white hat),
had our great-granddaughter, Mable.
But, you can see great-granddaughter, Cosette, in there.
Bob & I are on both sides of our
daughter-in-law, Monika.
Monika’s parents are behind us.
Our son, Ty, is at the back.
Only granddaughter, Hope,
the new mommy,
is missing here.
Also, missing are DeAna,
our daughter and her family…
they are in Switzerland.

That’s our oldest grandson, Mike, with his wife, Tania,
in Switzerland. We went last year to their wedding.
We are looking forward to their gift of great-grandchild #6!!

Here’s De, with her hubby, Andre’,
who is THE CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE in their
chalet (hotel/restaurant).

We love going there to enjoy our daughter and her family (three boys) !!!


Let me know if you ever decide to travel to Switzerland.
I’ll put you in touch with this wonderful
Relais des Mélèzes.
(You can check out their facebook page, too).-
Just type that name in the search bar.

Here are Andre’ and our DollyWolly, DeAna.

Oh, and if you are blessed as much as we are,
you have adopted other “kids” to be part of your family, too.
Here is our dear Daughter #2, Lainalainalaina, with us!!

Yes, we are blessed indeed!
She is such a sweetheart…
and she has blessed us with two other granddaughters, as well.

Children are such a blessing.
Babies are such fun, aren’t they?
Are yours all baptized?


Here I am with DeDe.
Ah, what a sweetheart she is, too!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Family, God, Gratitude, happiness, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Poetry

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Storytelling

This morning on his post, The Art of Blogging, Cristian Mihai wrote, “Everyone loves a great story. People want to feel connected to a group, to belong.” He suggested that one way to help our readers feel connected is storytelling.

One of my favorite storytellers is Bob Goff. Do you know him? On March 1st, he released a new book: “UnDistracted.” I was introduced to him several years ago when my granddaughter, Faith, gave me a copy of his first book as a Christmas gift. “Love Does” by Bob Goff is a book that should be in everyone’s library!

Excellent storytellers like Bob Goff capture our attention and keep us engaged. Storytelling is a gift. The bloggers who use their gift of whimsey to capture our attention the way Bob Goff does are few and far between (in my humble estimation).

Bob Goff worked for 25 years as an attorney, wishing he could live a whimsical, impactful life. Now a “recovering lawyer,” he gave up his law firm to pursue writing and motivational speaking full time. He’s a best-selling author, hosts a podcast, and became a farmer at The Oaks outside San Diego, California.

I am a “recovering teacher,” wishing to live a whimsical, impactful life. I gave up my classroom and my home in California to live the good life under the Big Sky in southwest Montana. My husband, Bob, and I have a daughter and three grandsons in Switzerland… and a son and three grandchildren back in California. One of our son & daughter-in-law’s children lives here in Montana with her hubby and two of my three great-grandchildren.

I am about to become a great-Grammy again early next month. My youngest granddaughter, Faith, is expecting a baby girl on April 3rd. Life is good!

One of my favorite stories is the one that involves Faith … Faith as a baby, small enough to fit into this little bassinet that I got for her little girl who’s about to emerge into this world.

I wrote this story about Faith 27 years ago when she came into our family. My typical storytelling mode is poetry. What do you think? Does it keep you engaged?

FAITH

Faith Austynne Beekman,
God’s special unique design,
Created by Our Savior,
Placed here by acts divine.

We waited for your coming,
Prepared our home and heart;
Prayed daily for your namesake
To fill us from the start.

We needed FAITH to find you.
We needed FAITH to pray.
We needed FAITH to still believe
You’d come our way someday.

Your birth mother was Amber.
She carried you with care.
She chose your parents wisely,
Knew they’d be the right pair;

Knew in this world of trouble,
A child needs Mom AND Dad
To teach differentiation
Between what’s good and bad.

So while she held your fingers
And smiled into your eyes,
She knew she couldn’t keep you –
A tough choice, yes – but wise!

Your mom and dad prayed for you.
They waited seven years.
They went to doctors, studied books,
And shed a lot of tears.

They almost had an Austynne,
A little girl like you,
Born to a childish mother;
Her dad was absent, too.

But that was not the infant
God chose for the Beekman name,
Instead he tested their faith’s depth,
Made them play the seesaw game.

They saw that first birth mother
Accepting their family as right.
Then they saw her turn about,
With unborn child – take flight!

The time was after Easter;
Our God seemed far from fair;
But wrestling disappointment,
We accepted this cross to bear.

Not every servant of our Lord
Is blessed with children’s glee;
Perhaps my grandsons far away
Were all God planned for me.

Perhaps the students at our schools
Were who God planned as our lot;
We promised Him we’d accept His will.
Be happy with what we’ve got!

Then came the call from a lawyer.
A baby was due real soon.
Moni called everyone she knew
From early morn ‘til noon.

She had to locate Tyrone,
So they could be interviewed.
She had such trouble finding him,
She almost came unglued!

The decision wasn’t easy
(To adopt is hard at best),
But we knew God was on our side.
We had FAITH to pass the test!

Now, innocent little infant,
God’s special, unique creation,
You’re here by FAITH to fill our hearts
With great joy and divine elation!

Welcome to this world and the BEEKMAN BUNCH,

Faith Austynne Beekman!
4/24/96

Category:

blessings, children, Faith, Family, God, Gratitude, Life's Challenges, Love, Poetry, prayer, relationships

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A Virtual Baby Shower

My granddaughter, Faith, is expecting a baby girl this April. This Sunday her mom is hosting a virtual baby shower for her. It’ll be my first ZOOM baby shower. Have you ever attended one?

In preparation for the event, we were invited to go on-line and offer advice using a variety of prompts. That was a fun thing to do. Fun to read each other’s responses! Also, Faith’s mom (our daughter-in-law, Monika) will be posting pictures of all the gifts as Faith virtually opens each one. How clever, huh?

Faith and Kyle were married in July of 2020. It was a fairy tale wedding.

Such a darling couple! They met at a Young Life Christian camping activity about 2018. They both have a strong faith. They have many ideals and activities they enjoy in common. One of their mutual activities is snowboarding. This photo gives you a glimpse into their personalities:

Hah! Sweet Kyle – Sassy Faith!

I am looking forward to attending the virtual shower tomorrow. Should be a fun, unique experience. I’ll post afterward to let you know how it went.

Faithy is an old fashioned girl. Her desires are simple. This is the bassinet/carrying case she chose for her baby!!

Fun, huh?

Don’t know how many months Baby McSparron will fit in there… but should be fun while it lasts!

This is a picture of Faith when she was a baby. She was a true gift from God! I have this photo framed and displayed up in my Angel room:

Precious baby!
Ty & Monika were blessed to be able to adopt her at her birth!!

I can hardly wait to hold my newest little miracle baby when she comes. She’ll be our 4th great-grandchild. Yes, I know… we are mighty blessed.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow(God willing)
Hugs…

Bye for now

Oh, before you go, I need to share with you a song that came to mind as I was writing this post. The Penguins went to the top of the hit parade in 1955 with this song. I was a sophomore in high school!! (Yes, I know… the dark ages!!) I loved dancing to this one … Thanks Phil & Benny – happy memories!

Category:

blessings, children, Faith, Family, Gratitude, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Memories, music, relationships

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Embrace Great-Grandchildren

I am so blessed!
To live long enough to
Embrace Great-Grandchildren
is such a gift!

This is Cosette.
She is the darling offspring
of my grandson, Jordan,
and Joss – his significant other.

Joss is such a caring and happy mother!

And I cannot believe how tall Jordan has grown.
What a good daddy he is!
Here we are at church together yesterday morning.

Can you believe how tall (6’4″) my grandson is?
Never in a million years when he joined our family
at the age of 3 did we imagine he’d grow to this height!

In this photo, Jordan is the “Tin Man” sitting next to my sis, Sally.
Jordy and his siblings each are adopted…
gifts from God to Ty (back left in this photo).

Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old
they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

The church service was lively and invigorating and inspirational.

My heart is singing God’s praises.
How was your Sunday?

We’re having a relaxed morning before heading
to spend time with Bob’s brother & sister-in-law
and their family in central CA.

How are you spending your week?
I hope you are well …

I am including love
and lots of well wishes here for you.
Pray for my daughter-in-law, Monika, will you?
She has a miserable case of the flu.

See ya tomorrow
(God willing).
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, children, Faith, Family, God, Gratitude, happiness, Love, music, prayer, relationships

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Embrace Anticipation

Woman learned birth mother was star on ‘That’s My Mama’

By Lisa Respers France, CNN

Updated 10:20 AM ET, Sun May 9, 2021 Lynne Moody in a promotional photo for the ABC TV series "That's My Mama." Lynne Moody in a promotional photo for the ABC TV series “That’s My Mama.”

(CNN)Lisa Wright always knew she was adopted, but had no idea her biological mother was a star on one of her favorite television shows.Now Wright is sharing the story of having been reunited with actress Lynne Moody after 50 years in what reads like the perfect Hollywood ending, according to NBC’s “Today.” “I grew up watching my mother on TV and didn’t even know it,” Wright told the morning show. “‘That’s My Mama’ — that was our must-see TV. We all sat down and watched ‘That’s My Mama’ every week, and who knew? No idea. … And that’s my mama!”

The series ran for two seasons on ABC from 1974-75. https://68151845e449bd7bd92b8064c37f7ae2.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Wright said she knew very little about Moody, who was 18 when she gave birth, and had a closed adoption.

“My (adoptive) mom told me, ‘Your mommy loved you, but she was really young, and she knew she couldn’t take care of you. I wanted the baby so bad, and that’s why your mom let me take care of you,'” Wright said. “You weren’t abandoned. This was just the best thing for you.”More of CNN’s Mother’s Day coverage

But encouraged by her son a few years ago to do genetic testing, Wright first tracked down an uncle who told her the family had been searching for her all these years and who led her to Moody, who, like her daughter, was living in Los Angeles.

Moody called her birth daughter.”A voice on the other end says, ‘Is this my daughter?’ And then I just went, ‘Oh, my God, is this my mother?'” Wright said. “And then she goes, ‘Yes, sweetie, this is your mom.’ It was just the most indescribable feeling.”It was a deep connection for Moody, who never had any other children and never thought she would find her beloved child.”When I found out that she was my daughter, at that moment, it was like I was giving birth,” Moody said. “Because I lost my legs, I was on the floor in a fetal position, screaming and crying. I didn’t know how deep that hole was.”

And the actress best known for roles in the TV series “Roots” and “Knots Landing” had a Mother’s Day message for all.”Life is full of surprises sometimes, so hang in there no matter what your circumstances are,” she said. “Be open to miracles, be open to surprises, and keep the faith.”

Photo by Fuzzy Rescue on Pexels.com

I have four adopted grandchildren. This story touched my heart for obvious reasons. On this Mother’s Day, there are many children out there who have been raised by loving adoptive parents. There are many biological parents out there who gave up their child for altruistic reasons. Some of them have located their children and have a happily-ever-after reconnection story. Others have reconnected, but the results were not so glorious. Still others have not tried to find their biological parents (or children) and live with that sense of unknowing, not sure that filling in the blanks would be helpful for anyone.

Whatever the situation, it is always heartwarming to me when I read about these cases of rejoining. It is sweet to know there are cases where the child can find his/her roots – and the parent can fill that empty spot with fresh discovery. I know when it happens and it is positive, God’s hand is involved… and it makes my heart sing.

I am grateful for the mom who gave her child up for adoption because she knew she could not provide a suitable home. I am equally grateful for the family who took the child in – and loved him or her completely – fully embracing him or her as their own.

On this Mother’s Day, may all those adopted children feel a sense of gratitude for the mom who gave them birth – and for the mom who raised them. May they know, whatever the circumstance, they are loved. They are wanted. They are not an accident. God don’t make mistakes!!

Embrace Anticipation!
You never know what God has in store for you around the next bend.

Happy Mother’s Day!
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

children, Family, Giving, Life's Challenges, Love, music, relationships

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Embrace Hugging

My daddy and me
Doin’ what comes naturally

I love that old musical from the 1950’s, Annie Get Your Gun. It is an American musical Technicolor comedy film loosely based on the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer release, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and a screenplay by Sidney Sheldon based on the 1946 stage musical of the same name.

Does hugging come naturally to you?
If so, from whom do you think you inherited that quality?
Bob and I had that conversation after breakfast this morning.
His mom and dad were not huggy folks.
Mine were… especially my affectionate daddy.

Me and Daddy
when I was about 14 or 15.

Bob didn’t learn to be huggy from me.
He came that way… and I feel so blessed.
Marrying someone who was stand-offish
Would have been put me to a terrible test!

Doin’ what comes naturally
Isn’t the same for you and me.
I reach out and hug strangers –
At least ’til this pandemic distanced me.

Photo by Trinity Kubassek on Pexels.com

Bob and I are huggy people
We showed our kids the joy of touch
But not all children are so blessed
Some are abused; some aren’t touched that much.

Photo by nappy on Pexels.com

When our daughter, DeAna’s best friend, Laina,
Lost both her adoptive parents at a young age,
We were blessed to say, “Come be in our family.”
Having a “Daughter #2” was a blessing quite sage!

Our Laina keeps in daily touch. She wrote
A message to me yesterday.
I asked her if I could share it here.
This is what she had to say:

Embrace MomBee🥰

I keep waiting for your blog theme to be “Embrace Hugging” or similar.  Technically embrace does mean to hold someone closely in your arms so it’s almost funny to use the 2 words together. 

Well here’s my mini blog for the day.

We just don’t hug enough anymore.  For one reason, we can’t because of social distancing but also we don’t because we won’t take the time to do something that’s so extremely important.  

My genetic nature resisted hugs growing up. I inherited that from Marilyn my Irish born biological grandmother and apparently her daughter my biological mother was the same way. I was adopted by a very different personality. 

I would feel myself stiffen up and become uncomfortable when someone hugged me. My (adoptive) mom was very loving and caring. She was a hugger and I reflect back on those hugs and feel bad for my involuntary reaction. I would squiggle (squirm+wiggle) away as fast as I possibly could leaving her unfulfilled.  Being a teenager and young adult I was too self-absorbed to notice the sadness on her face or to recognize her need for physical contact. If only I could go back in time and have a “do over”!  I would give her a proper hug. It would be a long squeeze and I wouldn’t let go until SHE squirmed to get free. Knowing her, she wouldn’t ever squirm! we’d still be hugging! Hugs instantly boost OxyContin levels. It’s scientifically proven. Hugs help to heal feelings of loneliness and isolation and anger. An extended hug increases serotonin levels and increases good mood. It strengthens the immune system. So why don’t we do it more? We need to do it more! I guess I can’t tell you to hug a stranger because they might smack you or scream but definitely hug those you love whenever they are near… I can’t wait to give you both long hugs in person. I promise I won’t squirm away.

Laina and “MomBee”

That picture of me with Laina is one of my favorites. I often use it as the “sign off” photo on my blog – edited to just be me. I had forgotten that it was taken on the occasion of my 80th birthday when Laina came to be with us and help us prepare for and carry out a party that included about 50 of our best MT friends. Laina lives in Maryland – and her trip here was such a gift. Helping us was for her, “Doin’ what comes naturally.”

Hugs may not come naturally to all of us.
But it is something we can learn…
and enjoy… and realize
how important that intimacy is.

Our daughter, De, with hubby, Andre’

Yesterday our grandson, DeAna’s youngest son, Chris, went to Vissoie
to have dinner at his parents’ restaurant and to give them a long overdue hug.
It had been over a month since he had made the trip up the mountain to see them.
I wrote to him afterward and said,
“Thank you for going to be with your parents
and for giving your mom great big, heart-felt hugs.
We all need them.“

DeAna and Chris

This morning he wrote back and said,
“Oh! It was my pleasure!
It’s been too long since I saw them,
I needed to squeeze their booooooones.
Can’t wait to squeeze yours, too!”

(Chrissy got that expression, “Squeeze yer bones!” from his GrampyBob…
It’s one of his favorites.)

Whose bones do you need to squeeze today?
Go do it!
Go and make hugging one of those things that is
“Doin’ what comes naturally!”

Thank you, Laina
for sharing your story with us.
Thank you for enhancing our family.

Thank you, blogging friends,
for visiting JanBeek today.
Hugs to you!
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

blessings, children, Family, friendship, Giving, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, Poetry, relationships, self-acceptance, writing

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Family Connections

Derrick Knight photography
NUGGET

Family Connections

Baby robins often hover
Near the nest that was their home.
Soon they’ll spread their wings
And farther they will roam.

Like those little robins,
Our children need to fly –
Spread their wings and explore
The vastness of the sky.

But in this COVID world,
We’ve lost the freedom to soar.
Our children may be caught
Somewhere – longing for more.

Chris & Natala

If you’ve followed my blog for a year or more, you’ve met this young couple before. They are my grandson, Chris, from Switzerland, and the love of his life, Natalia, who lives in Colombia. Just before this pandemic hit us, Chris traveled to Colombia to meet his on-line girlfriend and her family in person. Now, the two must tuck in their wings and live with the limitations again of on-line romance. Neither is free to travel and face-to-face with the other.

Hope and Sam

When they were 2 and 4, this brother-sister duo joined our family. Hope Morgan and Samuel Leland were in foster care and God knew they needed to be Beekmans! Now Hope lives here – only a hour from us in Big Sky – and Samuel (who has special needs) had been living happily in a group home near Sacramento. They are now in their late 20’s.

Hope has two of our three great-grandchildren.

Sienna, GG and Xander

Samuel, in the group home, has been in a quarantine mode since this pandemic hit. Life is pretty empty when you can’t go out – and you can’t have visitors. Some of you may know the feeling. Family Connections are SO important!

Beekman Family

Family Gatherings

Years ago, when the grandchildren were teens, we would often drive or fly to be together as a family. Now the family is spread out over several states and even across into Europe. Family Connections are sooo important to us! We live in Montana, and this group shot was taken at a gathering in California.

In the picture above you see (l to r) nephew Zak, Samuel, Bob’s sister Bonnie, her husband Stan, sister-in-law Ann beside Bob’s brother, Bruce, granddaughter Faith with her sister Hope (I’m between them), Bob, grandson Jordan, and behind him – daughter-in-law Monika (mom of Sam, Jordan, Hope & Faith) and lastly, Bob’s sister-in-law Marge. I think our son, Ty was taking the picture.

Yes, Family Connections are important to all of us!!

Gathering the Flock

When will we be able to gather the flock again? Is there a foreseeable end to this isolation?

Ty and Monika were so concerned about Sam and his isolation in the group home that they went yesterday to get him. He is now living back in the nest! God bless them for responding to the felt need!

Sam (left) with two friends at Sam’s high school graduation

Returning to the Nest

Sam may not be able to hug friends and visit up close during this pandemic, but at least from his home, he has his parents to hug, and he can see friends from a safe social distance. He is no longer isolated. Social connections are so important to our mental and physical health!

So, unlike the robin parents,
We are free to go and rescue.
Thank you, Ty and Monika,
For returning Sam to the nest and to you!

God bless you!

Have a Happy Weekend.
I hope you have opportunities to make Family Connections.
Tell me about them!

Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, children, Family, happiness, health, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, Montana, Poetry, relationships

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Marvelous Moms

Our marvelous moms

Their unconditional love

Speaks eternally

My mom & dad
Our DeDe and her Mother-in-Love
One of my favorite “Other Moms”
Mom to thousands of adoring students
Love to moms whose children are distanced by this pandemic
Love to our adopted moms/ AFS moms/ chosen children
God bless our children on this day!
Our son, Ty, and his beautiful spouse, Monika, mother of 4 of our grandkids
Special love this day to wanna-be moms who would’ve if they could’ve
And extra love ❤️ this day to all the guys who made us moms… and grammies…
… and great-Grammies!
Love to all future moms on this day, too. I pray they marry first!!
God bless you all!

Happy Mum’s Day!

Category:

blessings, children, Family, God, Gratitude, holidays, Love, relationships

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Where ya Headed?


Philippians 3:13

“… forgetting what is behind
and straining toward
what is ahead,
press on toward the goal
to win the prize
for which God has called me
heavenward…”


Looking Back

I need you to see a photo of my youngest granddaughter when she was a little baby. Read on and I’ll tell you why I want you to see this on a post that’s all about where you’re headed. Here’s Faith Austynn Beekman:

Faith was adopted at birth by our son, Ty, and his wife Monika. The story of her adoption is a good one for another day. But for now, let me fast-forward:

Ruthie, Faith, Jan (me)

Faith has grown to be a woman of great faith. This photo of her between her two grandmothers was taken two years before she graduated from High School. I tried to find my photo of her at her graduation, but this was as close as I came to it.

Ah, tenacity… it paid off… I found it! Here Faith is with us on the day of her graduation. Look at how much taller she is! Or did I just shrink?

Why do you think it was so important to see Faith on her graduation day – on this post titled, “Where ya Headed?” Well, a scripture with ta similar message as Philippians 3:13 – was printed on the top of her commencement hat! Hebrews 12:1 …

Looking Ahead

Fast forward again. Here is Faith with her fiance’, Kyle McSparron, on the day of their engagement:

And here they are at the rehearsal dance the day before their wedding:

Faith’s life so far is a fairy tale of love and success and faithful direction. Obedience to God and to her parents’ teachings, adherence to Biblical Principles, and the tenacity to “run with endurance the race God has set before [her]” are criterion that characterize her young life.

Living the Race

Faith and Kyle joined her parents (our son) Ty and Monika with their dog, Nakota at our home for Thanksgiving last year. Kyle has an electrical business that is suffering the downturn caused by this COVID-19 pandemic. He needs our prayers as he works to keep the company afloat.

Faith is working for the state of Nevada as a “Disaster Preparedness Advisor” (that may not be the exact title, but you get the idea. Her job is particularly vital right now… and much can be done on-line. Moving forward, we can see the two of them are living Hebrews 12:1 as fully as possible.

Bob & I are in our pj’s in that photo because it was very early on the morning they were leaving to head back to California.

“Don’t look back. You’re not headed that way!”

Looking Forward

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”

I don’t know to whom I should attribute that quote, but it sounds like somebody like Billy Graham would have said it… or Mother Theresa.” And I know it is so true. God is in charge of where I’m headed. If today’s world and our circumstances are any indication, then we know the path to where we’re going is a rocky one. The only way to navigate it is through faith and prayer.

See that moose on my bed? When Faith was about 6 or 7, she and her family came to visit us. We spent a day in Yellowstone National Park. It’s ony an hour’s drive from our home. At the end of the visit, she and her three siblings were given the opportunity to go into the gift shop and buy themselves something to help them remember the trip. Faith bought this moose – and then gave it to me! She has such a loving heart!

If you saw my tribute to Ken Hall on my blog
a few days ago, you saw that photo above the bed,
but I didn’t show you “Faithful” – my moose.

Each morning when I make my bed, I place “Faithful,” this little moose in front of the pillows, and I say a prayer for Faith and Kyle. I thank God for Faithful, my reminder of my granddaughter Faith – and I thank Him for her and her faith, for her beautiful marriage to Kyle, and I ask God to watch over them.

May God watch over you today, too, my friends.
And may He guide you as you
“Run with endurance the race He set before you.”
Look to a bright future…
It’s coming!
Face Forward –
That’s where you’re headed.

See ya tomorrow.
JanBeek

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Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Faith, Family, God, happiness, life, Love, Memories, Montana, prayer, relationships

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