This property on Geer Road in Hughson, CA (just north of Turlock) is where Bob grew up. His mom & dad started the Beekman Honey business when Bob was a kid. His mom moved to this place from Pasadena when she was a small child.
Now Bob’s brother, Bruce, and his wife, Ann, have the place. They have made so many improvements, including the change of the old “Rumpus Room” into a Honey and Wine Tasting Room.
The old windmill still stands, and the hollyhocks that Bob’s mom planted are thriving. The bees love them! Ah yes, this smells and feels like home!!
The Ranch is home to about 9 cats with nine lives each! They all came to greet us when we arrived!
Out in the field Bruce & Ann have planted lavender. It is a popular commodity in the Honey Tasting Room along with other items such as honey-scented soaps, various honey samples, and bee related items.
That house below – beyond the lavender field – is where our daughter, De, and her husband, Andre’, lived when they were first married. Ah, memories!
Back at Bruce & Ann’s home, which is just a quarter of a mile through the almond trees from the bee ranch, their oak tree has grown so large, it hides the house as you approach it from the driveway. And the almond trees in the driveway are laden with nuts!!
But, as you get closer, you see the beautiful home – And behind the house, the landscaping pulls you in!
It’s a gorgeous day here. Wanna join me for a swim? I’m outta here. Too pretty to be at my computer.
What has made you glad today? Are you thanking God for this day?
I will reJOYce for He has made me glad. This is such a beautiful spring day – The weather is a gift from God and My dear husband, Bob, has our yard Looking like a very inviting park.
Come sit awhile with me. Enjoy the birds singing. Enjoy the sunshine. Let the peacefulness of the mountain vistas Make you glad!
Our robins are such a treat. They make me glad!
Let your heart sing with the music of the birds! So beautiful!
I had a yellow chested blackbird singing to me this morning- -and while up in my sanctuary, a pair of doves landed on the garage roof and sang their hearts out.
(Thank God it wasn’t those “common cranes” or the “snipe” or the “corn crepe.” Those would have driven me crazy!
(If you glide your cursor over the red line on the video, it will tell you what kind of bird you are listening to.
The European turtle dove sounds like those we have here. They make me glad!
Are you waiting expectantly for something? Somewhere in time what you long for Is out there for you … you just need to EMBRACE EXPECTANT WAITING.
(I recommend you listen to that gorgeous piano and orchestra as you read this blog. “Somewhere in Time” – so beautifully played From Maksim Mrvisa/Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)
I have been waiting – trying to be patient – This past nine months has felt a little like The nine months of pregnancy: Expectantly waiting for a new beginning!
But unlike the birth of a baby, This wait has birthed for us A new pastor for our church… And now we have to wait.
Wait for the Presbytery to approve – Wait for Mary Grace to check out of her college dorm And check back into her home in Tennessee And check out of there to drive here.
Meantime, as we wait expectantly, God says, “Live in the now! Every day is a new beginning. Don’t waste today waiting for tomorrow.”
What are you looking forward to? Are you waiting expectantly for retirement? Are you planning a cruise or a vacation of some sort? Are you anticipating a visit from special family members?
DeAna’s new toy
Our daughter, DeAna, who lives in Switzerland, Is anticipating a trip to Turkey this September. She bought herself a motorcycle so she can Ride her own bike – not sit behind on her hubby’s.
I would not be looking forward to such a trip. I’d be shaking in my boots! But Bob & I are Eagerly anticipating a trip to England and then On to Switzerland to spend time with De & family.
We also are expectantly waiting For our trip to California next month. We’re going there for my sister’s memorial – We’ve waited half a year for this closure.
What are you expectantly waiting for? It seems to me that life is more exciting If you have something to look forward to. Never stop dreaming about tomorrow’s joys!
While Mary Grace, our new pastor, was here last week, The weather decided to rain and snow and blow. It was mid-May for crying out loud! S’posed to be spring! So we eagerly anticipated springtime’s return.
Yesterday when Mary Grace flew back to Virginia, Montana was gray and cold – not looking like spring at all. But today we had the most beautiful blue sky with Puffy clouds and warm temperatures. Go figure!!
Our Madison Range was hidden behind grayness, But today the gray lifted and beautiful snow-capped Mountains emerged. That’s Jack Creek Canyon And Fan Mountain out there. Come back, springtime!
Knowing I was missing the colors of spring, My friend, Lisa, in North Carolina, sent me Photos of her gorgeous roses in her garden. I am expectantly waiting for our flowers now, too.
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Because the future SOMETIMES (often) depends On what you do today, look for the joy and hope around you. Do whatever you can to make today the best it can be. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Just live today with joyful expectation.
“For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
We waited for the pastor candidate we did not see. We waited for the congregation to vote affirmatively. And now we wait for our Mary Grace to return And begin her spiritual leadership in our church.
It’s hard to wait with patience, but we are told Like those beautiful roses that sprang from a plant That was brown and leafless in the winter, The blossom will bloom – and it’ll be worth the wait.
My mom often told me when I was Eagerly, anxiously, anticipating something, “Cross that bridge when you come to it!” Good advice! Go back now to the top now… and watch that musical video.
The images are wonderful. This bridge is one of them. “Edited video Leonidas” – magnificent! Worth the wait!
Tell me, what are you expectantly waiting for?
Thank you for taking time to visit JanBeek today. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Today is the day we have been waiting for: Pentecost Sunday. It is the day our pastor candidate, Mary Grace Reynolds, presented the sermon for our congregation. She not only preached, but she did the whole sheeebang!
Her prayers, her management of the announcements, her Call to Confession and Assurance of Pardon, her Children’s message, the way she interacted with young and old … all were so lovely, so perfect!
After the service, the members stayed and cast their ballots. 100% of the members voted to affirm her candidacy. 100% of the members voted to affirm her “Call.” That included her salary package, reimbursable items, and general terms of employment – no dissentors! Hooray!
The Holy Spirit came in tongues of fire to the people On that first Pentacostal Sunday. It enabled the people to speak in the language of their hearer… a miraculous day. Today felt miraculous to me. Thank you for your prayers!
We all prayed for this vibrant, young pastor fresh out of seminary – ready to serve the Lord!
Mary Grace Reynolds
If you have followed my blog for a while, you know I post my sermon notes on Sunday afternoons. I take notes as I listen, and I try to capture the main points of the message in poetry. Here are my notes from today’s message:
A Greening
Inspired by the New Testament scripture: Romans 8:18-30
Red is the color of love . It’s cultural shorthand for things warm & vivid It symbolizes the brightness of joy Also paints emotions angry and livid
Red is the tongues of the Holy Spirit Tongues of fire that came down from on high Paul tells in the book of Romans The meaning of the glory from the sky
The Holy Spirit brought hope to hearts The Spirit intercedes for us When we don’t put our scripture notes In a binder & they shuffle, we fuss.
The Holy Spirit tells us to wait Reorder the pages – and take a breath Know that others are forgiving They know a mistake is not sudden death
Going on – the meaning of colors – The red enhanced by the color green Is when the people tune back in To hear the message – what does red mean?
The alms and cadavers and elements Were explained as they impact the world Hildegard’s approach to medicine explained Kept us tuned in as new ideas unfurled
The power of nature to put forth healing Was linked to the nature of creation Nature is inclined to create new life And it anticipates newness with elation
Humans, the Earth, and the Holy Spirit Are trapped in a state of decay The Holy Spirit gives us the tenacity To hang in – to endure day by day.
The Holy Spirit helps us understand The holiness of our yearning & pain The pain is a signal that tells us We need to endure, for God will remain
God gives us the Holy Spirit To guide us into seeking solutions Our hope is stored in what we don’t see But leads us to resolution
It helps us resolve to be The light that directs people to see The Fruits of the Spirit in us Lord, help the world see that love & peace in me.
Amen
My day started with a message from my friend, Lisa. She sent me pictures of roses from her garden. The red of these roses symbolizes love to me And I share that love with you today, my friends.
Just as red comes in many shades, So does the expression of how we care Vary in a multitude of ways. Thank you for reaching out and covering us in prayer.
God heard. God answered. God is good All the time!
Welcome to Madison Valley Presbyterian Church, Mary Grace!
We are soooo delighted that the Holy Spirit led you here.
Lots of Love!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek on Pentecost Sunday. Have a great rest of your day. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
When you think of the word, NEED, what comes to mind? Do you think of what YOU need or what OTHERS might need? Have you internalized the difference between NEED and WANT?
Now there’s a belief in some parts of the USA that gas cans NEED to be filled and waiting for future use. Because of a security breach, stations were shut down. Folks NEEDED gas to get to their jobs or wherever…
What is on your NEEDS list?
I NEED hugs. Physical touch is sooo important!
My husband thinks he NEEDS ice cream after dinner each night.
Learning the Difference Between Necessity and Luxury
When our son, Ty, graduated from high school, he spent a year as an AFS (American Field Service) foreign exchange student in what was then Yugoslavia. He lived with a family who was communist. They wanted their son to learn English because the next year he intended to travel to the USA to attend college.
The family was “well off” by that country’s standards. The father was head of what we might call our EPA: “Environmental Protection Agency.” They lived in a small (less than 500 square feet) apartment in Beograd (Belgrade). The family of four had two bedrooms (one for the parents and one for their daughter), a very small kitchen, one bathroom, and a living room which converted into a bedroom at night for their son. Ty shared that space with the son.
Our son learned very quickly how very privileged he was growing up with us in California with plenty of space and a swimming pool in the back yard. He learned overnight the difference between necessity and luxury. He learned his NEEDS were much smaller than he once thought – and people could live happily with soooo much less.
We all NEED a friend- and if you have a true friend, you are rich, indeed!
Happiness does not NEED a big house, a fancy car, or a lotta money in the bank. But, it does NEED at least one true friend… and a bunch of ’em is a bonus!!
Happiness does not need a room full of toys. Children who can build their own tent, play together in the woods, and go home at the end of the day of play to a loving family and a nourishing meal are blessed indeed!
I used to think that I NEEDED a glass of wine and a sushi meal every now and then…
… or a cucumber roll
But then I googled my needs and I discovered:
Hah! What do you NEED?
A pup to snuggle with?
All you NEED for Christmas is your two front teeth?
Maybe all you need is a blanket and a good book!
Sometimes all I NEED is a nice warm bath!!
A baby only needs milk, loving hugs, a clean body, and a swaddling cloth!
And we all need a dream – Someone who believes in us – and encourages us – and teaches us how to live our dreams.
I NEED time in the wide open spaces, time each morning in my sanctuary to pray and to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, and I NEED music in my life… because it lifts my spirits and strengthens me.
I don’t NEED a tattoo! But, isn’t that a hoot? I NEED laughter!
Hah!
See ya tomorrow. Have a great rest of your day wherever you are.
Embrace NEEDS. See the needs of others – and fulfill them if you can!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek. I NEED your comments!
When I was a child at Bonita Elementary School in Crows Landing, California (yes, there is a town by that name), May Day was a very special occasion.
In the classroom on the morning of May 1st we made baskets of paper or ribbon. Then we went out into the fields around the school and picked wildflowers. We hung our baskets on doorknobs around town, rang the doorbell, and hid in the bushes as we watched the surprised resident answer the door and find the colorful, hanging gift. In it was an invitation to come to the school that afternoon for our May Pole Dance.
Sometimes we used our school colors for the ribbons
Other times we used an assortment of colors
It was not uncommon for us to dress in special costumes, but sometime, like the first picture of the Maypole, we would dress in white. Notice the flower wreaths in our hair. Ah yes, we went all out!
We’d weave in and out of each other to create the braided base on the Maypole. You can tell this last picture is recent. Back in the 40s and 50s no girls would be caught dead coming to school in Levis!! We would have probably been sent home!
Music would accompany our dance around the Maypole … The YouTube below shows that in some places, May Day still is celebrated in today’s world.
It’s a more complicated process than you might imagine!
I wonder if they still do the baskets with flowers in school rooms and neighborhoods anywhere?
I love May flowers!
If you don’t have a wildflower field nearby,
maybe you can go to FTD and order your May Day flowers today!
There are lots of beautiful arrangements from which to choose!
Have a Happy May Day, my friends. Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
What are the small delights that enchant you? Keep you coming back for more? What are the small delights that entice you To return again to your favorite store?
I love wreaths and flowers; I take delight in their display. I delight in springtime when its warm And I can walk in the sunshine and play.
I love Michaels, the craft store, that has All the items for projects galore. That’s the place that’s my go-to For creative activities – and more.
Prayers, pictures, and greetings From Elaina, my daughter #2 Bring morning smiles and giggles “Let me share my soup with you!
Let me show you my sweet kitty,” She declares as she pictures her cat. We share the things that delight us In our daily morning chat.
My friend, Lisa, in South Carolina Finds beauty in sunrises and purrs. I love the way she shares with me The views and delights that are hers.
Lisa’s cat
Lisa’s sunrise in South Carolina
The small delight that grows To enormous size and glee Is the joy I find in friendship. Friends are so dear to me.
Laina & DeDe
Laina and our daughter, DeAna Have been friends since high school days They find great delight in togetherness… A relationship where love always stays.
Caroline’s photo of ducks in lake
Some small delights in nature That we often take for granted Are ducks on the lake with snowy borders And evergreen trees God has planted.
“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10
I delight in having great neighbors Who bake beautiful cookies and share The tasty treats from their kitchen. I delight in those friends over there!
(Thanks, Robin & Whooter & Sue Welna!)
A delight I’ve been waiting for Is the opening of this daffodil bloom. Thank God for the coming of springtime And the flowers I see from this room.
My husband will tell you that nothing Delights him like a bowl of ice cream. His favorite is mocha almond fudge – That’s his idea of a dessert dream!
Photo by Lisa Oliver
I take great delight in rainbows. They keep God’s promise visible & true, This one over the McAlllister Church Is a small delight just for you!
Here’s my delightful sunset reflected over the Madison Range.
Have a delightful Wednesday. See ya tomorrow (God willing).
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. I delight in your comments.
Stretching our ideas to help us be More flexible in odd situations Helps us be more successful In all sorts of challenges or vocations
Do you know the Tijuana Brass? It was one of my favorite groups in the late ’50s & ’60s
His music stretched across the world!
My mind stretched immensely when I traveled to Europe as a newlywed I thought the USA was the world’s haven And I found multiple havens instead!
Don’t squirrel away in a tiny space Limiting your mind to prejudicial thoughts Stretch your experiences and horizons By seeking out new, delightful spots
Stretch your imagination in order to see Sites that inspire you to face with glee Each new day and its many wonders They’re right here – and they’re free!
