You are blessed to be a blessing. You have been given many gifts. They are meant to be shared; Pass them out – give others lifts!
Share Gifts
Whether its an ice cream That you share with your best friend Or an outing planned to surprise Your spouse, let your love extend.
Last night we shared a dinner At a restaurant – mighty fine – I had my favorite rack of lamb In a place so fine to dine.
Bob had his favorite seafood In a curry sauce with cream. We shared the blessing of the meal In this gorgeous spot… a dream!
It’s an Asian fusion restaurant In the heart of Bozeman city. The waitress, Marisa, did a great job – Shared her talent – Ain’t she pretty?
If you have the special blessing Of being able to go out for a meal With your favorite dining partner, Do it! I know just how you’ll feel…
Oh, and if that fabulous chef Tucks a surprise inside your dish, Be sure a let him/her know how much You appreciate it… and how it was delish!
My rack of lamb with broccolini Had a flower tucked inside. Oh, what fun it was to find and taste it … Some blessings like to hide!
If you’re ever in the city of Bozeman, Look up “Sweet Chili Asian Bistro.” It’s a delight – a real blessing – a treat! And, take your sweetheart when you go…
We came home to a Montana sunset That was a treat indeed for our eyes. My friend in North Carolina sent her sunset – Sadly Canadian fires created her smokey skies.
But the blessing in her mind was It could be a whole lot worse. My daughter in the Baltimore area showed The smoke there is a real curse.
Meanwhile, returning to our home A rainbow greeted us as we drew near – God’s promise wrapped in the scene – A reason always to give a cheer!!
We’re blessed with Rocky Mountain grandeur And our intent is share it with you. As the day draws to a close here, Here’s a scene for you to review:
Taken from our back patio You can see the highlighted shelf. As the sun sets to the west behind us, We thank God for nature’s wealth.
Bob mowed the lawn before the rain Came and watered the grass so green. Yes, we are blessed to be a blessing – – – Come visit us and see what I mean!
Love, JanBeek
What blessing are you blessed to share with others today?
11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” saith the Lord, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
God promises to give us hope and a future. Grace gives me a chance to clean up today’s messes and try again. Be ready for that prosperous, expected end!
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Sprinkle the salt of peace. Express the joy of happiness. Smile and let the love of the One who wants only to prosper you shine forth!
Guidepost’s Mornings With Jesus challenged its readers yesterday to “Thank Jesus for seasoning you with His grace” – and “Write down specific ways He has prospered you so you can be salt and light in the world today.”
God provided blue skies. He sent rain to clear the haze. The grass is greening and the flowers are blooming.
I can’t make these things happen… Only God can control the seasons. He sends the sun by day and the moon by night. These are blessings I don’t take for granted.
What are some of the specific ways God has prospered you recently?
I am blessed by your visit here today. Thank you for following JanBeek.
I am gratified by the new followers who have joined us recently.
Tonight we were privileged to hear a spectacular choir concert.
I didn’t record the whole song… saving my phone battery! But you get a taste of it.
The unique sounds of this girls’ choir, Jitro (Daybreak) from the Czech Republic, will cause you and all who hear them to say, “I Believe in Music.” The talent, skill, and perfection of these girls and their director and accompanist brought tears to my eyes! Tears of joy and appreciation.
They were so animated… and pitch perfect. Adorable!
The girls were amazing. The music transcended my ability to put into words how gorgeous and impactful it was. The director obviously exuded talent and elicited the love and respect of his choir members. What a delight!
The concert was in the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Virginia City, MT, just 15 minutes from our home. This group has performed at Carnegie Hall, in New York, in Tokyo, in Australia … all over the world! And we got to hear them in our little community!! What a treat! What a blessing!
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
I wish I had taken some pictures of them during the first half of the concert. Their costumes were different. They changed during the “half time” break.
Yesterday the choir sang at two Bozeman, MT high schools and joined those schools’ choirs last night to perform in a combined choir concert for that community.
During the day today the girls enjoyed our Montana culture, touring this old mining town of Virginia City and dressing up as cowgirls, 1800’s western madams, and having their old fashioned pictures taken. Tonight was their last concert on this USA tour. Tomorrow they’ll fly home to the Czech Republic. I’m so grateful they were here and we got to hear them!
I wish you could have been there to see and hear them with us and see/feel the charisma of their director. Do you “Believe in Music”? What’s a favorite concert you’ve attended?
Have a great rest of your week, my friends. I send my love – JanBeek
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
I’m never giving up I want to be proud Of who I’m becoming With God’s help I’m reaching for the sky I’m gonna get up Dress up Show up and Never give up
You, too?
I pray you have wonderful neighbors/friends who come, help, encourage and inspire you in your Daily Walk, like we do!
Yes, count your blessings!
I made green eggs and ham yesterday for St. Patrick’s Day and then we shared corned beef and cabbage with those dear neighbors who inspire us to get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.
What have you done recently to thank those who inspire you to show up everyday and never give up?
I send my love and encouragement to you. Thanks for showing up at JanBeek and encouraging me to keep on keepin’ on!
I’ve been off screen, resting my eyes after cataract surgery.
First the right eye – cataracts removed and new lens inserted.
Then celebrated by enjoying dinner at Sweet Chili’s and staying the night at C’mon Inn in Bozeman. God is good. No pain involved 👌🏽❤️
Dilated pupil made vision blurry, but I was assured this would be short-lived. Give it time!
Then on Thursday Dr. Swan removed the cataracts on the left eye and replaced that lens. It’s a simple procedure. Once you’re in the operating room, it only takes about 15 minutes. Amazing!!
Back home in Ennis, Montana, snow and wind stopped, but temperatures were below freezing. So, it was a good time to just hunker down and relax. Let the eyes heal – and avoid reading, screen time, and bright lights. Tough assignment!
Enlarged pupil… weird! Oh my… Wild Woman!!
That was yesterday – day # 1 after surgery. Today the pupils look more normal, but my vision still is blurry – and I’m s’posed to be patient as I allow healing ❤️🩹 And stay off screen time!
So good-bye for now. I’m outta here!
Have you ever had this procedure done? If so, what were your results?
I’ll catch up with your posts on WordPress and FaceBook when it’s safe to do so.
Meantime, bee 🐝 well – and bee 🐝 happy.
God bless you!
My neighborhood deer are keeping me company. So blessed to be living in God’s Country!
Bob says, “Chase them away! They’re munching on my trees!!”
Hey, they were here first! We are invading their space. Right?
Actually, life is pretty good. I am counting my blessings. Are you?
Blessed to have Bob’s support and company. Count your blessings, my friends. I know you have lots for which to be grateful.
I first posted this message 4 years ago, but it is timeless – – – and it is worth reposting as February 14th is tomorrow and we all are thinking seriously about the topic of LOVE, right?
What is TRUE love? And how do we exhibit it? How do we receive it? What is its origin? Poets have written of love for centuries. None resonates more perfectly to me than the words of love in the Bible, like Romans 12.
“Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.”
…. Romans 12:9-13
No better Valentine’s message of love ever has been written. To add to it, go to your Bible and read the next few verses, Romans 12:14-16 … and get caught up in the wonderful message of Jesus’ love!
Of course, the scripture that often is read at weddings is also one that must not be forgotten:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 New International Version
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
My blogging friend, Sue Dreamwalker, wrote today, “So, keep love in your hearts for each other and all living creatures. And remember to love yourself…”
This was popular in the 50’s when I was growing up. It is one of my all-time favorites!
Love is more than just a game or two. Two in love can make it… Take my heart and please don’t break it!
Have a wonderful, love-filled Valentine’s Day!
Hugs to you and your loved ones, JanBeek (& Bob, too)
Happy Day Before…. the rest of your life … a day of gratitude in the USA,… I pray you are well, anticipating a happy tomorrow, and living the good life.
Thank you for checking out JanBeek today. What are your tomorrow plans? We are planning to go to dinner with dear friends who live just a mile away … that is, if we can get out of our driveway! Look at what’s happening outside:
It’s pretty from the inside looking out! I’m not complaining. We have had several relatively dry years – so we can use the moisture! I just pray the roads are clear enough that we can get out tomorrow!
Yup, like that turkey who avoided the chopping block, I am grateful for life! Grateful for love and health, and all God’s blessings. What are you grateful for today? I pray that you’re feeling blessed, too.
Cheers! Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow… Happy Day Before…
I posted this blog about 4 years ago… and that fellow in the photo below has since gone to his eternal home. We all will meet again someday if we are believers. Are you? Let’s explore this topic together this Thanksgiving week as we thank God for each day He gives us, OK?
When I asked this friend, “Are you afraid of death? he quickly responded, “Nope!” with assurance.
2018… yesterday, I had an ultrasound. The radiologist not only took a million pictures, but then she called in her senior partner and asked for her assistance.
Oh my! What were they seeing? How many angles did the image need?
By the way, it was my kidneys and bladder areas, not something less complicated – like my hand. (By the way, this year I broke my little finger in a fall… and believe me, I have learned there is nothing simple about your hand!!)
Later in the afternoon I received a call from the medical center. It didn’t surprise me when they asked me to schedule an appointment ASAP for an MRI. They needed a more definitive picture of whatever is in there. Something that’s not supposed to be, of course.
Would your mind do what my mind did under the circumstances?
Would the big “C” word enter your mind? And would you contemplate your own mortality?
I did – and I am!
When I go to the medical center tomorrow and they receive the MRI results, and they say, “Your days are numbered. You are full of cancer,” would I panic?
No!
Why not? Well, all our days are numbered, aren’t they? Nobody’s going to get out of here alive.
But, would I like to live a healthy 100 years and then die peacefully and unexpectedly in my sleep one night?
You bet!!
But, what are the chances? Pretty slim!
However, in today’s world, a person who has enjoyed good health and is living a healthy life style should expect to live at least into his/her 80’s. Don’t you agree?
After all, my parents lived into their late 80s, and so did both my in-laws. Genetically and socially, I expect to do the same. Wait, though… I’m not quite 80 yet. (That was 2018… I am 82 or 83 already… but who’s counting?)
How would I feel about an eminent death sentence?
How would YOU feel? Have you faced such a challenge and overcome it?
My husband, Bob, was diagnosed with prostate cancer about a dozen years ago.
First step: We called my older cousin who is a Prostate Cancer Survivor “Poster Child.” We received tips from him. He recommended we get on line and learn everything we could about the disease and the treatment options. Go to renowned specialists (he named two). Get a second opinion. Keep a positive outlook. Pray. Share. Ask friends and family to pray with you. Seek professional advice. Research your options. Be your own best advocate. Remain positive.”
Second step: We did all those things, and Bob chose cryotherapy – he had his prostate frozen – and he is “in remission.” Cancer free – and living the “Golden Years” with me!
If I should learn that my days are short, I would miss my loved ones here on earth, of course. But would I be afraid of dying? As my friend said when I asked him that question, I can emphatically say, “Nope!”
I know where I’m going. I know my Redeemer lives and has a place reserved for me in Heaven. And, I pray you BELIEVE, too. Then, we can be assured we will see each other in Paradise and we will enjoy eternal joy together.
See you there someday …Hopefully not too soon!
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, my friends. We certainly have much to be thankful for, don’t we?
