Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘friendship’

Quality Friends

Today’s Prompt was:

What qualities do you value most in a friend?

(Couldn’t narrow it down to just one quality!)

Quality friends are plentiful

But you gotta keep in touch

Sparkling Example of Sweetness

You gotta love and hug’em

Generosity

Celebrate birthdays and such

Christlikeness

Show your appreciation

Helpfulness

For all they do for you,

Faithful Longevity

And never let their friendship

Thoughtfulness & Sharing

Get away from you.

Consistent Inclusion

Let them know their faith walk

Love & Hospitality

Helps you walk your faith, too.

Genuine Concern

And don’t forget to tell them

Compassion & Companionship

How their integrity influences you.

Patience & Love

Besides integrity and cheerfulness

Faithfulness

Their daily contact is a gift!

Devotion

What qualities of friendship

Generosity

Give you a daily lift?

Thank you for being my blogging friends!
I appreciate your faithful visits and comments.
Have a lovely weekend!
Hugs,
JanBeek

P.S.
My niece, Jodie,
and her forever best friend, Melissa,
are coming to spend next week with us.
I can hardly wait!

Life without Enemies

handwritten message in black ink
Photo by Polina Kovaleva on Pexels.com

On his blog today, Rahul Gaur  invited his readers to create a poem inspired by another poet.. using opposites. Rahul”s blog site is titled:

SMOKE WORDS EVERY DAY.

THE HOME OF POETRY

His description of the Day 3 poetry prompt intrigued me:

NaPoWriMo Day 3: Find a shortish poem that you like, and rewrite each line, replacing each word (or as many words as you can) with words that mean the opposite. For example, you might turn “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” to “I won’t contrast you with a winter’s night.” 

Then Rahul shared a poem he wrote using that “Opposite” prompt: On his blog site you can see a link to the original poem.

When I am standing on the edge ⁣⁣⁣
Revelling at the vista, which the mist blurs ⁣⁣⁣
I forget the lovely image, hers, as⁣⁣⁣
She fades… fades… fades away⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Over me, joy has taken me in its veil⁣⁣⁣
More a creature of this world ⁣⁣⁣
And one less angel on the earth⁣⁣⁣
I want nothing more, nothing less⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
When I am standing on the edge ⁣⁣⁣
Revelling at the vista, which the mist blurs⁣⁣⁣
I think I recall the image, hers, again⁣⁣⁣
She passes…passes… passes by⁣⁣⁣
I want nothing less, nothing more


I picked up on Rahul’s prompt and decided to write a poem inspired by poet, Holly Haley.

The original poem: “Friendships”

Write life without friendships
And who would read it through?
Paint life without its friendships
Where is the rainbow hue?
Build life without its friendships
Who would live therein?
For friendship’s glow leads to the goal
That each of us would win.

poet: Molly A. Haley

And mine:

“Enemies”

Live life with enemies
And no one would join in
Scribble life with its enemies
And forget to add a grin.
Tear down life with its enemies
And regret the choices you choose
For death darkens your door
When you’ve no friends to lose.

Jan Beekman

Want to try your hand at this opposites poetry?
If so, I’d love to have you share it in the comments section here.
happy multiracial friends embracing on bench after basketball training
Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com
Friends are such an important part of every happy life!

On the other hand, enemies are sometimes hard to find (at least for me).
If you look at everyone through your Jesus glasses, you will see the divine in them.
You will pray for them, and you will realize that they are placed in your world to teach you.
What do your enemies teach you? Well, for one thing – they teach you what you don’t want to be!!

text in frame on wall
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com
Hmmm… what does that mean, “Front Toward Enemy”??
a massage therapist massaging a client s back
Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

You want that person at your back to be your friend, right?
When your friend says, “I’ve got your back,” what’s that mean?
To me it means, when my back is turned and someone intends to harm me,
my friend will be there to protect me.
Turning your back on your enemy can be dangerous!

How do we avoid having enemies?
Can we really live a life without them?
The PollyAnna in me says, “Of course!”

What do you think?

Just love one another!

Hugs to you,
JanBeek

Help!!

Is it hard for you to ask for help?
Some people find it very difficult.
Some people feel like they are a burden.
They want to be self-sufficient.

Bob and I have learned
Self-sufficiency is harder as you age.
Asking for help is imperative,
Especially when you are stuck!!

That red dot out there is the back –
The back light of our car.
We high-centered in.a snow drift.
That’s about 50 yards out.

It is freezing out there – Brrr!
We walked home and left the car.
Brrrr… Help! We can’t do it –
Can’t dig ourselves out.

It’s not the first time
We needed help this week –
Not the first time this year.
What would we do alone??

Thank God for friends and neighbors.
Thank God for Bobcats & snow blowers
And friends who come to help.
We would be toast without them!

Tomorrow’s sunrise promises us
A better day – a chance to get out
A chance to go to church and thank God
For the HELP we receive from so many

Matthew 7:7

“Ask, and it will be given to you;
seek, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Do not be afraid to ask
Do not be too proud to admit
You need help – can’t do it all yourself
Let others help… and ask God for help, too!

No request is too small.

We reached out yestersay
We asked our friend, Joe, for help
He came and helped Bob
Unbury our snow fence

Earlier this month I reached out
And asked my friend, Susan P,
For help with my Christmas decorations
She came – we did it together – God bless her!

I couldn’t have done this without her!

May the Lord bless and keep you
May your neighbors and friends
Be the help you need when in distress
Don’t be afraid to cry out: HELP!!

There is no joy in aloneness
When you are craving assistance
People want to help you
They want to be asked. So do!

Do ask for HELP when you need it
Ask for HELP when you want it
You will be blessed and so will your helper
We all need to be needed!!

This is my adorable 10-year-old friend
Hailey helps to give me a sense of purpose
Each week she joins me in my sanctuary
We study scripture and read devotionals

I am so grateful for her and her mom
They let me know they needed something
In helping them, I am the one who is blessed
You, too, can be the helper as well as the one who’s helped

Reach out today and make someone’s life better
In the process, you will make your own richer, too.
Help is a two-way street – Don’t miss it!
God bless you, my dear WP friends… you help

You help by reading my blog and commenting
You help by posting your stories and inspiration
You never know just who needs what you write
You never know who you’re he[ping today!

Thanks for dropping by
JanBeek
today.


Your “likes” and comments
lift my spirits.
I’m headed to go see your blog
right now, too.
Thanks for your
HELP!!

Reblog #15 – Relationships

This blog was posted in my “Embrace” series a year or so ago. Many of you, my faithful followers, saw it and commented. Thank you so much!

It is worth revisiting! I have several new friends since then, so I think this is a good one to reblog as we approach this Thanksgiving Day 2022. Gathering with friends and family reminds us of the blessing these friendships are to us.

My devotional this morning in These Days, Daily Devotions for Living by Faith, quoted Col.1:11-12 and reminded us, “Being in a healthy relationship is no small task.”

It went on to tell us, “It takes work, sacrifice, and understanding.” Yesterday I reblogged a post titled, “Partners” that pointed to those same requirements for lasting relationships.

I recommend that
you click on the “Best Friendship Songs” below
and listen as you read my Haiku renderings
on this subject of Relationships.

Relationships are
What this life is all about
Friends are our life’s gifts

We need each other
Going through life alone won’t work
Loneliness smothers

We’re never alone
When we’ve a relationship
With God, our Maker

Put God first in life
Let Him help you bind your love
So it never breaks

In an article in Woman’s Day Magazine, I quote:

“Whether you’re starting out a new relationship,
have been married for years,
simply love your friends,
or adore your family,
there’s always a way to
incorporate God
into each of the unique relationships
in your life.”

Choose relationships
Grounded in mutual love
With respect at center

Seek Godly friendships
Not just with your great neighbors,
But with every one

Especially when
You are choosing a life’s mate,
Be centered in God

Men, listen to this:
If she does not know your God,
She doesn’t know real love.

Don’t give up on her!
Teach her about the Savior
Save relationships

Embrace your friendships
Love one another fully
Treasure your family

I am grateful for
The love of my family
I can count on them

I pray your friends care
For you as mine do for me…
And know I love you!

You are blogging friends
Who visit JanBeek to say
“I care about you”

I am inspired by
The way I can count on you
To come, read, and write

God bless you, dear friends
Your relationship matters
It’s more than on-line

It’s alive in me
You’re a friend I depend on
I can count on you!

Have you been listening
To that collection of songs?
Lots of good words there!

Like: “Live your story”
“Know our love will never die”
“Hold on to your friends.”

Thank you for visiting JanBeek today.
You matter to me.
Thank you for being my friend.
See you tomorrow.

My niece, Jodie, with me and her best friend, Melissa…
Such treasures in my life!!

Who do you treasure as a best friend?

Visiting Zinal

What a wonderful way to spend a Monday afternoon in Switzerland! DeAna drove us up to Zinal… just to enjoy the time together, the scenery, and an ice cream. We did all three. Wanna join us?

Mountain majesty

Views usually not seen

Except in movies

Sharing with our De

Made all the more beautiful

By stream and mountains

Blue sky up above

Flowing River at our feet

Life can’t be more sweet

Then add some icecream

And the cows that made the cream

Surely it’s a dream!

Hearing the children

Laughing and playing outside

Yes, it’s Paradise!

Meantime, the Groshongs

Continued their hiking fun

In this same region

Found a gentle cow

Grazing on the Swiss hillside

Up close – personal!

Lucky the bovine

Was feeling cooperative

But don’t press your luck

Here comes another

He’s looking mighty leery

Don’t try petting him

Onward to glacier

Visit before it is gone

Then back to Zinal

What will tomorrow bring? Come back and see! I love sharing with you. Which of my pictures today did you like best?

Love to you from JanBeek (and Bob & De, too)

Things Take Longer

Have you had more than a few candles put on your birthday cake?
Ever had trouble blowing them out?
My friends, Kathy & Ron, served a cake at fellowship after church today.
They didn’t put all 83 candles on it, thank God…
don’t wanna burn the church down!
But, they put on a LOT – – – and I could not believe
how long it took me to blow out those sparkling candles!!!!

This is just a very brief clip of the process…
It’s OK to laugh with me as you watch it!

As you can see, there were only a few left to extinguish at this point…
I had been at it for awhile…

Kathy & Ron are on my right.
Am I praying I can do this?
I don’t know…
This was about try #5 to get them all blown out.
My friend, Alex, is there encouraging me!

Yes, things take longer as time goes by…
And yet time seems to go by faster
as the years progress. How do you figure that?

It was a happy birthday.
I celebrated in Bozeman yesterday with Bob.
He got me a new travel purse
for our upcoming trip to Switzerland.
We had a lovely dinner at The Mint in Belgrade.

Today I enjoyed exchanging messages with over a hundred of my friends from far and near on FaceBook. Also, had a wonderful FaceTime exchange with daughters, DeAna & Laina. It’s days like this when most friends and all of our family are far away that I especially enjoy the internet.

Couldn’t sit down face-to-face with DeDe
and enjoy a cup o’ java –
but we could talk and see one another.

And Laina could share her java with me virtually!

Our son, Ty, and his wife Monika, were not able to be here with us this year,
but they FaceTimed this evening… so my heart is full.
It took longer for them to reach out this year
because Ty was on a Mission trip to Mexico.
But I received a card from them…
and this evening’s call was
the frosting on the cake!

Yes, it takes longer between visits
to see our family and friends these days,
but thanks to the internet,
we can FT and text,
message and e-mail.
In those cases,
communication takes shorter –
not longer!

Yes, I tilted toward the computer
and my cell phone today!

Where do you tilt these days?
And what things do you find take longer?
I’m not alone in this, I bet!

Thanks for visiting!
Have a great Sunday night –
and a wonderful week.

Love, JanBeek

Celebrate July!!

I have taken a week off from blogging…
time to enjoy company …
time to enjoy summer finally!

July is a month
Of special celebrations
First: Back on the road

Bob, TazE and I were invited to join our friends, Mike and Julie, on an ATV ride into the Gravelly Range.

Julie & Mike brought their
wonderful dog, Zeke.

The wildflowers were out in full bloom, and my friend, Susan Phillips, captured their beauty magnificently. What you see is the Madison Valley and the Sphinx in the Madison Range in the background. Impressive, huh?

Thank you, Susan, for letting me share some of your photos.

I captured some of the panoramic scenery. It was such a pretty day!

The fields of wild mustard and other wildflowers were breathtaking!
The fields are so green.
The cattle are happy grazers!
Bob & I thought this was a
beautiful place to stop for a lunch break.
That’s Bob holding TazE’s leash…
And Julie bending low in front.
She and Mike were our drivers…
and Caroline & CG were the trip organizers.
Caroline & Chuck-
dear friends!

Then, other dear friends, the Tillions,
came from California to spend a few days with us.

Ingrid & Alan Tillion

We went to our nearby tourist attraction,
Virginia City, and enjoyed time together there.
No time to blog… too busy being in the moment!

Ingrid & Alan almost missed the hailstorm –
but not quite! We got hammered!!

We went on the 4th to watch the parade from the comfort of our friends’, the Washburns, beautiful yard. They provided breakfast and lunch for an amazing group of their friends. We felt privileged to be included and to be invited to bring the Tillions with us.

Alan, Bob, Jan & Ingrid
Such a beautiful Independence Day!
The parade came right in front of our lovely, shaded area at the Washburns.
I loved the painted horse.
Back at home, we were treated to
our own neighborhood parade
with the Welna Family… too cute!

To continue our July celebrations,
we went with the Tillions to Bozeman
on July 5th, and we all enjoyed a
yummy brunch at Jam! (my favorite BZN brkfst)

Mmmmm… it was delicious!

We didn’t stop there… yesterday we invited our pastor, Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds, to come celebrate her birthday with us. So you can see why I have not blogged for a few days. It’s been a wonderful time of face-to-face with people who are dear to our hearts. No better way to celebrate!

Happy Birthday, MGR!!
We’re so happy you are a part of our lives!
You make us happier with your presence.

It’s good to be back on my blog.
I thank you for visiting and sharing time with us.
I hope you will share how you are celebrating July, too.

Happy Trails to You!

See ya again soon, I hope.
Have a beautiful rest of your week.
What will you be doing? Tell me…

Love,
JanBeek

Who’s Your Best Friend?

At a memorial service last weekend,
175 friends and family gathered
From all over the USA to honor
My friend, Phyllis Wasick.

Phyllis died over two years ago
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Folks couldn’t celebrate her long life (88)
At that time; travel & gatherings shut down.

So now, as travel and gatherings resume,
We were able to gather together
To praise and celebrate our “Best Friend.”
I say that collectively intentionally!

Here is Phyllis with her daughter, Lisa
This was about a year before Phyllis
Went to be with her other best friends
Who had gone on to eternity before her.

At the memorial celebration of life
A few of her best friends were asked to speak.
It was not a “open mike” – that would have been crazy!
Everyone would have wanted to talk!

When asked, “Who was Phyllis’ best friend – really?”
The answer was, “The one she was with!!”
She made each one of us feel special.
She made each of us feel important.

She lived a life of love and inclusiveness.
She was a true friend to all and a servant, too.
She worked at the Food Bank, the church,
The library, and was a treasured Book Club member.

At the service, her great grandchildren
Gathered up front, led by one of her grandsons,
And they sang, “You are my Sunshine!”
Yes – the world was brighter with Phyllis in it!

So, who is YOUR best friend?
How would folks answer that about you?
Do you make each person you are with
Feel special, appreciated, and important?

It is a wonderful quality to posses.
I used to tell Phyllis, “I want to be you
When I grow up!” I am still growing –
And improving – with the memory of

Phyllis Wasick tucked deep in my heart!
Who inspires you to be everyone’s
Best Friend? It certainly was a lesson
Jesus taught every day of His ministry!

Click on that link to hear a piano rendition
of that song with the lyrics for you…
Sing along!!

Psalm 133:1

“1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

A friend encourages unity and interdependence. No divisiveness lives in a true friend.
Jesus was a friend to all ages!

A best friend cares about you
A best friend is a good listener
A best friend is someone you can confide in
A best friend knows how to keep sharing confidential
A best friend is supportive and trustworthy
A best friend loves you just the way you are
A best friend keeps in touch

Be a best friend to whoever you are with!
Maybe I can emulate my friend Phyllis-
With the help of God’s grace living in my heart
And the Holy Spirit within to guide me.

You can, too!

Jesus is my best friend!
And He helps me be more like Him every day…
Phyllis does, too!

Thanks for visiting my blog today.
See ya tomorrow (God willing).
Love,
JanBeek

Red-Yellow-Black-White

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in his sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Jesus came to earth to show us how to live.
He gave His life – what more must He give
To teach us the lesson He came here to teach?
Just love one another! Live that lesson and preach!

Preach to the world the need for compassion.
Preach respect, integrity… Make them current fashion.
Don’t let fear and ignorance take the reigns
And infect our society and poison our brains.

White Replacement Theory? What a bunch of bunk!
Don’t let such absurdity enter you. It’s just junk!
God created each of us with blessed diversity.
He created us equally. Believe that with certainty!

Those who fear other skin or folks from outside the USA
Are showing us their ignorance by what they do and say.
They don’t understand the message God sent to earth
When He brought to this world His Son to give us second birth.

They don’t accept the well-known fact of Oneness,
The same blood, same love, same spirit of “Done-ness.”
We are were “done” by the Potter’s wheel and skill.
We all were created by our God, our Savior’s Will.

No color is more beautiful; No skin is a favored one.
No cuisine is more tasty. God differently flavored some.
So wrap your mind around the true acts of love…
Love others unconditionally – Give all hate a shove!

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the 10 who were senselessly murdered by a sick, crazed, fearful 18-year-old in NY this week. Additionally, worshipers were shot down in church two days ago… and the list goes on. It makes my stomach churn. It makes my head hurt. It puzzles my mind. I just don’t begin to understand. I want to help. I need to do my part.

So, with my left hand in a cast and my little finger throbbing, I hunt and peck with my right hand. I send my love out into the world – and I beg my readers to do what you can, too. Try to drown out hate with loud acts of love. Try to squelch fear with gigantic messages of compassion and understanding. Try to stamp out ignorance with numerous exchanges of God’s messages in His Word and through His Son. Do something. Do what you can.

Photo by ATC Comm Photo on Pexels.com


Dear Heavenly Father,
help us to set aside
fear,
hatred,
ignorance,
and
divisiveness,
and start
as a nation
and as a world
to
just love one another…
Amen

Hugs,
JanBeek

Headed for Surgery

Thank you, my friends, for your love and supportive prayers and comments.
Bob & I are headed in to Bozeman now for my surgery on this dislocated and broken finger.

It snowed a lot in a circular radius around us, so we’ll have icy roads up & over Norris Pass and a lot of snow in Bozeman when we get there. Prayers for safe travels appreciated.

My surgery is to realign this little finger and put a couple of pins in the finger to keep it in place going forward. Prayers for the surgeon’s steady hands and skill appreciated. And for my pain tolerance, please.

Dear friends are bringing us our dinner for tonight. Praise God for His loving servants who reach out to others in their need. We are so grateful!

I probably will not blog for a couple of days. You understand.

See you when I can. Sending love and appreciation.

Hugs,
JanBeek

Please send continued prayers for those who need it so much more than I do…

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