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.
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!!
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com Hmmm… what does that mean, “Front Toward Enemy”??
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!”
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!!
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!!
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?
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.
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…
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
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.
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
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…
