connections | JanBeek

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Posts tagged ‘connections’

What’s Your 1st Sentence?

Today’s prompt was:
You’re writing your autobiography.
What’s your opening sentence?

“I want to die with all my marbles intact!”

Yesterday my friend, Keri, brought her one-year-old Boston Terrier over for a playday with our pup, Kenny. Watching those two play, I knew for a fact that play is an essential part of life. If I want to keep all my marbles right up to the last day of my life on earth, I have to do as Kenny and Livvy did: play together and refresh together, too!

Play and refresh

What else is important if I want to keep all my marbles?
Reading! Learning!!

While the pups were playing,
Keri and I chatted about our lives.
She shared that she has a 93 year-old dad.
He is a voracious reader.
He’s got all his marbles intact and shining!
What a gift, huh?
That’s what that CJ Box book is: a gift!
We received it in the mail yesterday
from our Bonus daughter, Elaina.
My husband, Bob, age 86, also is
a voracious reader.
He’s read every CJ Box book there is…
and this is the latest. Just out! Just here.
Bob can hardly wait to dig into it!

What else is important for a long, sparkling, coherent life?

Stay connected!
Connected to what?

If you know me,
you know I was gonna
take this message to God,
His Word, and the Holy Spirit!
Yup, therein lies the secret…
Make sure it’s not a well-kept one!!

Share your love…
Share God’s love in you…
Share the Holy Spirit’s Wisdom in you…
PLAY, REFRESH, READ, STAY CONNECTED.

May you LIVE LONG
and
Keep all your marbles intact and sparkling!

What would the first sentence of your autobiography say?

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, blessings, Faith, God, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, relationships, writing

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Dec. 12 Word of the Day

Happy Thursday to you!
Using the prompts from @sanctifiedart,
I am enjoying the opportunity to share
the “Words for the Beginning”
each day with you during this Advent season.

Today’s Word is:

When you think of that word,
what picture comes to mind?
I asked AI to generate a picture
and this is what they sent:

I was happy to see AI’s first response
was people connecting, not some mechanisms!

I imagine the image below
is not the kind of connection that
@sanctifiedart envisioned when they
selected CONNECTION for
today’s Word.

When I think of connection,
I think about social media
and about telephone connections
and about the way we feel
when we maintain
long-distance relationships.

Media type connections
can be a blessings
or
they can be a curse.

When we see people
ignoring their companions-at-hand
while they keep their focus on their cell phones,
it feels like such a waste!

For me to make connections
that really matter,
connections that last over time
and that satisfy my heartfelt needs,
I need physical contact.
I need hugs.
I need face-to-face.
I need kisses.

How about you??

What images does that word
CONNECTION
conjure up for you?

What connection in your life
fills your heart with
love
hope
and
joy?

Besides my dear husband
with whom I will celebrate
63 years next February,
the other vital connection
is described in
this scripture:

I imagine myself as a
Child of God,
reaching out constantly
to connect with God.

My fingers grasp His Hand
just like a little child
reaching for his or her father.
My connection to God,
my Heavenly Father,
is my most important
CONNECTION.

WHAT’S YOURS?

See you tomorrow
with the next Word of the Day.
Thanks for visiting
JanBeek
and following along.
I appreciate my connection with YOU!

God bless you!!

Category:

Bible Lessons, blogging, Faith, friendship, God, Gratitude, Living in Harmony, Love, relationships

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Embrace Connections

https://smarturl.it/ThanksForTheDance

Reach out to others
Make meaningful connections
Share your thoughtfulness

Did you click the link?
The link was “Thanks for the Dance”
From Leonard Cohen.

If you didn’t hear –
Didn’t see the video,
Go up and do it!

EMBRACE CONNECTIONS
Look into another’s heart
See the hidden pain

Learn to disagree
Learn to listen with your heart
Show your compassion

Connections can save
The loneliest from despair
Suicide is real

Express your concern
Let your compassion embrace
Those in depression

Depression is real
Too often it is hidden
Inside solitude

Leonard Cohen’s poem
Hit me right between the eyes
Took me to my niece

‘Twas nineteen years old
When her life appeared hopeless
Jumped Golden Gate Bridge

‘Twas two weeks later
When her decomposed body
Washed its way ashore

Only dental charts
Helped to identify her
Memories are raw

Never imagined
Her pain was so very deep
Didn’t see the signs

So much is known now
Nearly forty years ago
We just weren’t aware

Today it’s rampant
Especially Montana
Third in the nation

Growing suicides
It’s not a good statistic
Something must be done

These are images from Leonard Cohen’s impactful video. (Haven’t watched it yet? Go back up to that link. Take five minutes and then come on back.) The poetry and his raspy, musical voice will touch your heart. You’ll carry it with you.

You’ll ask yourself, “What Happens to the Heart?” and you will want to be more aware, more compassionate, more helpful. You’ll look in your friend’s eyes. You’ll study your loved one’s face. You’ll ask questions. You’ll care. And you’ll want to know WHAT CAN I DO? When you see sadness, despair, loneliness, you’ll want to help. How??

There are visible
Ways we can show how we care
Check out resources

Reach out to others
Make meaningful connections
Share your thoughtfulness

Embrace Connections
They can make the difference
YOU are important!

Thanks for dropping by JanBeek

Sending you love and hugs –
Stay Connected!!
See ya tomorrow

Category:

art, children, Faith, friendship, Giving, Haiku, health, Heartache, Life and Death, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, Montana, Poetry, relationships, self-acceptance, self-esteem, Serving One Another

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Embrace Your Power Source

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

What is your power source?
Where do you get your ideas?

Today’s sermon on ZOOM with the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church
in Ennis, Montana, preached by the Rev. Steve Hundley
attributed our power source to
(well, what do you think a minister would say?)…
God
Jesus Christ’s teaching
The Word
Scripture
Of course!

Steve began his sermon today with a children’s message. He shared this (paraphrased by me, of course):

My dad was a forester. He used to cruise the timber to decide what to cut and what to leave to keep the forest healthy. He usually went with a fellow forester – a guy who was not known for his great sense of direction. They would head out in different directions, and when it was time to regroup, my dad told his partner that he’d call out. “You answer,” he told him, “and I’ll call again. Back and forth until you find your way back.”

But, what happened was an ole hoot owl responded back to his partner when he called out, and he followed the direction of the owl. It got him way off track. When my dad realized what was happening, he honked the horn of the truck, and finally the two men were able to reconnect and head for home.

Moral of the story: Listening to the wrong voice can get us lost. We need to listen to the voice and teachings of Christ in order to stay on the right path.

The Church’s Spiritual Power Source

(Inspired by Mark 1:21-28 – story of Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue
and being interrupted by a man who was demon-possessed)

The people of the church
Were astounded when Jesus
Taught with authority –
More astounded than by exorcism.

When we think of a teacher image,
We rarely think of provocative
We have our dull stereotypes.
But Jesus, the Teacher, was rare.

Wouldn’t you think His act
Of removing an evil force
Would have trumped the act
Of teaching the Word of God?

No, removal of an unclean spirit
Was not what the people raved about.
It was Jesus, the Teacher, who
Inspired the people to be amazed.

Do Jesus’ teachings still have
The power to transform and amaze?
Do Jesus’ teachings still have
The power to unite and inspire?

The teachings of Jesus and the
Growing of churches and believers
Are synonymous; did you know that?
Let’s join a weekly Bible Study.

Listen to the right voice…
The voice of Jesus telling His parables.
I’ll lead a Bible Study and we’ll all
Tune in to Jesus’ voice – OK?

Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM.
We’ll begin with Luke 15:11-24.
It’s the story of the Prodigal Son.
Look for your ZOOM invitation.

Invite a friend to join us!

Hope you had a wonderful Sunday.
Enjoy your evening.
See you tomorrow.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.

Let me know if you’d like a ZOOM invitation to join us.
If so, send me an e-mail address.
Embrace Your Power Source!

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Poetry, relationships, sermon notes, writing

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Global Gratitude

Sue Dreamwalker wrote this today, “I will be joining the Global Day of Gratitude. This Thanksgiving we need to give thanks for family and friends, and grow our New soul family as we reach out and create New Connections all over the World… As we reach out with our hearts to create Unity and Peace.”

Sue Dreamwalker Walking The Storm

The day called “Thanksgiving” has drawn to a close this challenging year of 2020. But as Dwight Roth reminded us in his post yesterday, it is not just a day to be reminded to be grateful for all our blessings, but it also is a day called “National Day of Mourning for Native Americans.” Check out his informative and poignant post:

rothpoetry Blinded By Comfort

Photo by Gabriela Custu00f3dio da Silva on Pexels.com

In the midst of plenty, I am reminded of the suffering of many. I am reminded of the sacrifice of many. I am mournful as I realize the injustices that brought me to the place of comfort where I am today. I apologize to my Native American friends … and yet I know nothing I can say or do today can erase the truth of what white people did to these dear people. I want to be thankful for what I have – (and I am) – but I recognize the cost… and I am humbled in my position of plenty – and trying NOT to be “Blinded by Comfort.”

I hope your Thanksgiving Day was a day of small gatherings … not the big family crowd we are used to on this day. I hope you kept it intimate and safe. We did. Just four of us. But in our hearts we included you all… and thanked God for your presence in our lives. WordPress is a wonderful community – and I am thankful for your shared thoughts, your insightfulness, and your faithful visits to JanBeek.

Throughout the day, we texted with our family in California and Maryland and Switzerland and bemoaned the fact that we can’t all be together this year. But, we thanked God for our health and our many blesssings. With the magic of WhatsApp and Messenger and FaceTime, we shared pictures. I hope you were able to do the same thing.

Monika is taking the photo. Her parents were able to join them along with our grandson, Sam, on the left and our granddaughter, Faith and her husband, Kyle, on the right. Two other of our grandchildren are missing here. COVID says, “Keep it small.” Tough task!

We feel blessed to be able to share this important day with our pastor, Steve, and his wife, Elaine. Thank God for friends near and far who can join us in these days of social distancing and masks and fear – and can help us feel less alone!

Thank you, Elaine, for being such a dear friend!

I hope you were able to share the day with loved ones, too… and that you had reasons to count your blessings in the midst of this very unusual year.

My joy and gratitude overflow.
I hope it spills out globally –
and it is contagious!

I hope you had a safe and happy Global Day of Gratitude…
while remembering our Native Americans …

Happy Native American Day!
God bless the Indians!!

Tell me about your Thanksgiving Day.
What did you do?

Category:

blessings, Family, food, friendship, God, Gratitude, holidays, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, relationships

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Be Braided

When you see the word “Braid,” what do you think of?

Those braids appear to be two strong strands twisted together.
(Isn’t she beautiful?)

Likewise, this rope seems to have two strong strands twisted, right?

When I used to braid my daughter’s hair, I needed three strands to create the braid.

Today’s devotional made me think about these various braids and contemplate the strength of the three strands. Here was the scripture:

Eccelesiates 4:12

“And though a man might prevail
against one who is alone,
two will withstand him –
a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Katie Minter Jones in “Mornings with Jesus” by Guideposts wrote a devotional based on that scripture. In it she recounted how difficult the days of early marriage were as she and her husband “struggled through difficult times.”

She quoted a friend as saying, “Together we worked hard to get where we are now. It definitely takes two to make a marriage work, and that’s not fifty-fifty. Each person has to give 100%.” Finger pointing and trying to divvy stuff up 50-50 leads to disaster.

One of her lady friends said, “It takes three to make a successful marriage, the husband, the wife, and Jesus.” Each person must give 100% to each other and 100% to Jesus.”

That seems like a tall order! But doing so creates the three strands that make the braid unbreakable. Couples need to walk with Jesus to have a strong marriage.

Here’s my take on what that looks like.

When our hearts are bound in love around our Lord’s cross, His mercy and grace strengthen our relationship and help us grow closer. As we walk hand in hand, praying and staying together in love, God blesses us. Jesus Christ strengthens us. The Holy Spirit braids our hearts in His love and care. Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian Love. Be braided!

Write your spouse a love letter today and include a prayer.

Dear Bob,
I am so grateful for your love and for our mutual reliance on Jesus, our Lord. Thank you for praying with me, staying with me, putting Christ first in our lives, and relying on Him during our times of struggle. His sacrificial love is the perfect reminder of how we need to take care of each other. His presence binds us in purpose and braids us with His promises and His peace. Thank you!
Love Forever and Ever, Rockie ;o) <3

Dear God,
Thank you for blessing our marriage and knitting our hearts together. May my blogging friends find that same peace and grace and purpose in life. May they sense Your guidance in their relationships and be braided with You. Amen.
In His Care, Jan

Let the light of God shine on your relationship,
be central to your lives,
and braid you together with peace and purpose.
God bless you!

See ya tomorrow.
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Gratitude, happiness, Jesus, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, Promises, relationships, Sharing

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Please Remain Connected

These lilacs connect
To the vine of existence
In the vine is life

Apart from the vine,
Obviously these flowers die.
We are just like that!

“I am the vine, you are the branches.
If you remain in me, and I in you,
you will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (NIV)

“For where two or three gather in my name,
there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20

This morning I thought
I had lost my WordPress posts.
I thought I’d lost YOU!

Words of comfort came –
Rushed in to reassure me:
We are connected!

My history is here…
Eight years of important posts
Help keep us in touch.

Apart from you – Pop!
The balloon of my WordPress
Loses all its air!

When I posted this
Blog from my iPhone today
Only Youtube showed.

It’s an important
Message about connection
From Ronald Reagan.

Whether you are from the USA or not;
whether you are Republican or Democrat or Independent,
You should watch this.
It was recorded in a different era,
at a time when it was not seen as divisive
to evoke God’s name in the White House.
The Bible was not used as a prop.
It was quoted as a means of
encouraging us to reach out in love…
Reach out and
JUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

Please stay connected!
Apart from you, my blog is nothing.
Apart from God, I am nothing!

Caralyn of BeautyBeyondBones
(do you follow her here on WordPress?)
wrote to me today and said,

“We are all part of His family,
and I pray we all realize that
and start to act accordingly,
with love for our fellow brother and sisters!”

AMEN, Caralyn.
Amen, my dear brothers and sisters.
I love you all.
Please stay connected.

See ya tomorrow.

JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, flowers, God, Haiku, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, Poetry, prayer, Promises, relationships, truth

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When You Rise…

It is a privilege
To breathe and to be alive,
To think and to love.

It is a privilege
To count and to be counted
Among your loved ones.

That’s our son, Ty. See us up in the right corner?

It is a privilege
To stay in contact often
With distant family.

Our daughter, De, with Denise, her mother-in-love

Thank God for the web
And the way we can connect
Across many miles.

You are in my heart.
You are in my daily thoughts.
As you rise, feel it!

Thank you, Ed, for capturing this sunrise!

Have a blessed day.
Stay well – take care of yourself –
See you tomorrow.

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, Family, friendship, Gratitude, Haiku, happiness, health, Living in Harmony, Love, photography, Poetry, relationships

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Wired for Connection

You know I need you.
We’re wired for connection,
Love and belonging.

Birthday girl needs love.
Friends need connectivity.
We crave relations.

We’re in the same nest.
We’re born in this together.
But don’t smother me!

I rise with the sun
Into a brand new morning
Facing a new day.

Connected to God.
Learning to live cautiously,
Leaning on my Lord.

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.”

When is it Time?

If baby robin #4 in that nest up there doesn’t sharpen her will, poke her beak up with the rest, and open up, she will be doomed to the nest forever!

So, we who need one another are asking ourselves, “When it it time to open up? When it it time to let our courage and our natural need for connections take hold? When can we do it safely?”

Should we wear a mask or not? Should we join the protestors or not? When it is time to believe COVID-19 is safely at bay?

Each Person is Different

Not only is each person different, but each area of our world is different, too. Here in Montana, I could join my friends for a small birthday gathering outside (only 7 of us) and feel safe. I realize everyone in the world does not have that luxury.

But while we each are different, so are we all alike in many ways. We all crave genuine connection.

Matthew Lieberman, a Harvard-trained psychologist wrote,

“The human brain is wired to be social. Love and belonging might seem like a convenience we can live without, but our biology is built to thirst for connection because it is linked to our most basic survival needs.”

Birds of a feather
Flock together, connecting
Love and harmony.

Likewise, we humans
Crave times to touch each other.
Isolation hurts!

Pray for Opportunities

We need connection.
Pray for opportunities
To safely gather.

I pray for your health.
I pray for our world’s return
To safe gatherings.

I pray for world peace,
For racial equality,
God’s intervention.

Lord, help us all to
Turn to You for our guidance.
Lift us safely up.

Open every beak
To receive life’s sustenance
And sing Your glory.