MMMmmm, it was good! We loved sharing – comparing Naming – Enjoying!
Illuminate Home Get ready to share your meal Thank God for your friends
I thank God for you I pray for health and safety For each one of you.
Tell me about your Thanksgiving. I hope your day is filled with good food, Good friends, and lots of great conversation.
I am sorry that some were unable to come Because not all are vaccinated and some Feel vulnerable with this darn COVID-19 Still threatening to infect even those with Boosters.
I pray for an end to this pandemic And for all who can do so to go and get the vaccine. Embrace illumination – shine your light on healthy choices! But, it is not for me to judge… if you choose not to, You have your reasons – and I love you anyway.
Just BEEEEE SAFE! And Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Missing my sis…
Keeping you in my prayers. Thanks for visiting today. See ya tomorrow (God willing)… Love, JanBeek
Your imperfections Are not the Creator’s fault. Know, no one’s perfect!
We all have our faults. And as we age, wrinkles show. Otherwise you’re numb.
It’s our emotions That birth our imperfections. So, just embrace them!
In today’s Daily Guideposts, Bill Giovannetti ended his devotional with this prayer: “Lord, You alone are perfect. Help me be good with that. Amen.”
Bill shared that perfectionism lurks in the corners of his heart, always ready to pounce.
Do you have that problem? Do you expect yourself to write the perfect article, paint the perfect picture, bake the perfect cake, or create the perfect garden? Does the fear of making mistakes nag at you? Do your imperfections make you question your worth? Do you ever feel like covering your troubling issues by hiding in a box?
Here are seven verses to help you lay down the idol of perfectionism and embrace your own weaknesses.
Romans 5:7-8. …
2 Corinthians 12:9. …
James 3:2. …
Matthew 19:21. …
Galatians 1:10. …
1 Thessalonians 2:4. …
Romans 8:15.
What does God say about perfectionism?
Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
God/Jesus doesn’t require your perfection, because He is the only one who is perfect. His acceptance of you can help you accept others with their flaws as well.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I invite you to sit quietly with yourself. Thank God for the way you are “wonderfully made,” And give yourself a break.
As you listen to these relaxing hymns of Thanksgiving and worship, count your many blessings. Embrace your imperfections, and know they simply prove you are human!
Are you familiar with “Kintsugi” or “Kintsukuroi”? This is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The method is similar to the maki-e technique. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.
Like repaired pottery, Kintsugi style, our imperfections are those cracks that allow room for the power and grace of God to fill us with the gold of humility, repentance, and dependence on Him.
Bill Giovannetti wrote, “… my worth before both God and those I love doesn’t depend on me being perfect. It just depends on me being me.”
Me being me!
“Help me be who You made me to be. Help me accept myself with all my imperfections. Help me, Lord, to relax in Your promise of acceptance. Help me love unconditionally, refraining from judging others, just as You love and accept me – just as I am. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Thanks for visiting today. I pray you see yourself as God’s beloved creation – imperfections and all! See ya tomorrow (God willing). Love, JanBeek
Family confidence Comes from great togetherness And sharing your love.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1
As a child, my mom was the family member who built my confidence. She assured me that I could do whatever I set my mind to. She supported every effort academically, socially, and spiritually. She told me, “If you don’t accept your high value, you not only deny yourself, but you minimize your Creator.” Her confidence in my abilities made me sure of my capabilities.
Did you have a family member or friend, a Sunday School teacher, or a neighbor, an aunt or an uncle who helped you build up your confidence? Someone who reminded you, “God don’t make no junk”?
The Bible is clear that I can’t do anything to make my Father in Heaven love me more or less.
Our confidence is built when our earthly family assures us likewise that we are loved unconditionally – and that they believe in us.
So, fully believe In God’s mercy and His love. There’s success in you!
God put success there! He implanted confidence. Believe your value!
Embrace Confidence!!
Is there someone in your life who could use a little confidence building? Is there someone you can build up by assuring them of their self-worth? Is there someone who needs to hear that you believe in them – and that you think they can do whatever they set their mind to do? Do they need to know “God don’t make no junk?” Go out and raise ’em up!
Yesterday’s post had to do with service: Focusing on Veteran’s Day and military service. I alluded to the fact that there are many ways To serve, but I didn’t elaborate on that.
Did you read that line and pause? Did you think about the expanded meaning Of service – the act of serving – and its Relationship to Christian living?
I did! But, I decided to wait until today To embrace the myriad of ways We enjoy and benefit from serving. We are encouraged to “Be Servants!”
Scripture calls us to serve others in love as Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers [and sisters]. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Having a servant’s heart means to help others in love without expecting something in return, serving in appreciation of the gifts God has already given us.
Helper Divinely guided Opening my heart Aware of God’s calling Servant
Definitely a “calling!”
In my Daily Word from Unity.org today, I was inspired by the message of “Guidance.” In it, the writer embraced serving, reminding us that as we prepare to do so, we need to listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within us.
“There are many ways of connecting with Spirit, but the first is by letting go. I must first release the situation I want guidance about.
With my human self out of the way, I stop my mind from trying to figure out the answer.
After letting go, I meditate, enjoy some devotional reading time, and become aware of God’s [presence]…”
Jesus was the consummate servant. His Holy Spirit puts in each of us a servant’s heart. Serving others is one of our main purposes in life!
“38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35
Pray With Me
“Heavenly Father, keep my focus on the one thing You have commanded: that I love others as You have loved me. Give me a servant’s heart that I may love in word and action” Amen
EMBRACE SERVING TODAY, MY FRIENDS. What will you do today to demonstrate your love in action?
You gotta watch & listen to this… So gorgeous!!
I helped Bob set up his appointments for continued medical evaluations today. We’re headed to Mayo Clinic in Rochester in January! He’s my love focus!!
Find motivation Whenever it is present Multiple sources
Denzel Washington Is a great motivator Choose testimony
Find time to listen Choose the points that touch your heart And then pass them on
Here are the points that touched my heart:
“Just because you’re doing a lot more, doesn’t mean you’re getting a lot more done!”
“Don’t confuse movement (activity) with progress!”
“It’s not how much you have, it’s what you do with what you have!”
“I pray you put your slippers waaay under your bed tonight, so when you get up in the morning, you have to get on your knees to get them!”
“And while you’re down there… say thank you …. [for all your blessings] … in advance for what is already yours!”
“Anything you want, claim it! Work hard to get it… when you get it, reach back. Pull someone else up!”
As you search within yourself, know that the Holy Spirit lives in you!
When you tune in to what God through the Spirit is saying to you, your motivation to rise above your circumstances, and your ability to help others do likewise will be pure in heart!
The video with Denzel Washington demonstrated that kind of motivation to me. Did you also hear it as from a pure heart?
The Bible tells us that our motivation should not be selfish gain or seeking approval based on our own merits; rather, our motivation should come from God and a desire to obey and honor Him. Our first priority should be our relationship with God.
Yes, that was one of Denzel’s quotes,
“Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference!”
“Finally, …whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
You are blessed to be a blessing. Remember these motivating words, “It’s not how much you have, it’s what you do with what you have!”
What can you DO to motivate someone’s positive thoughts and actions today?
Go out and do it!!
God bless you – Sending my love your way- See ya tomorrow (God willing). JanBeek
Jesus began to weep. So The Jews said, “See how He loved him.”
John 11:35-36
This week we attended the funeral of a friend who died while we were off in Europe enjoying life. My friend, Jeannie, was grieving while I was obliviously enjoying life. We attended his memorial service when we returned. Many tears were shed. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Over the past decade or so, Bob & I enjoyed many hours of four-wheeling on our mountain trails with him.
As many of you know, if you have followed my blog a couple weeks or more, we visited Jackie & Derrick Knight while on our three week excursion. If you follow Derrick’s blog, too, you know he had just lost his dear mom… and he took a break from planning for her funeral in order to host us. We understood the sacrifice of time and emotion that this delay involved… and we appreciated it so much! It was good to hear later that he was able to facilitate a very meaningful funeral for his mum.
A good funeral Shared grief in community Be sad together
Lie down in green pastures
Read 23rd Psalm Sing Amazing Grace with friends Embrace your grieving
Engaging in the grieving process with a friend caused me to do a lot of introspective thinking. What if this was my husband? How would I be handling this? How could I cope? Do I realize how blessed I am to have had these 60 years together? Do I cherish each minute we have together or do I take these blessings for granted?
1960 – at Bob’s sister’s wedding
1962 at our wedding
Us at our 59th anniversary last Feb.
Embracing grief also means embracing news that grieves us- learning to accept that news – and learning to give it to God. Last week we learned that Bob’s compromised heart & kidney functions are probably caused by “Amyloidosis.”
Oh my! Have you ever heard of that? It’s a condition that causes extra deposits of protein in your weakest organ(s). As I understand it, in some cases the weakest organ is the brain, so the extra protein gathers there and can cause dementia. In Bob’s case, the weak organs were heart & kidney.
The extra protein stiffens the heart muscles and causes them not to pump as efficiently. There are several kinds of amyloidosis. One is genetic. To the relief of our children and grandchildren, that one’s been ruled out!
Next week Bob will have a full body PET scan Wednesday and he will have a bone marrow exam on Thursday. The attempt is to rule out bone marrow Amyloidosis (we were told that version of it can be cancerous). So, the challenge is clear: Don’t grieve unnecessarily by worrying needlessly! Worrying about things over which you have zero control is a waste!
Only embrace grief when such sadness is called for! We weep when we see the depth of sadness in those around us. We all need space to be in our sadness. But don’t invite it! Don’t anticipate it! Take time for “good grief” when it is right to do so, just as Jesus seeped beside us when my friend’s husband died. But know Jesus is beside you, sharing your grief, but also fueling your hope.
Believe His power to create change.
Maintain your hope, dear friends. When disturbing news is shared with you, don’t imagine the worst.
Instead, give it to God, knowing He is with you, working for your good.
Trust in His Light which shines in the darkness.
Turn to our Savior in prayer!
Lord, grant us the courage to open ourselves fully to your word’s power and lean on your mercy. Amen
Lord, thank You for sharing our suffering. Help us channel our pain toward you. Help us embrace grief when appropriate, but focus on HOPE and Your MERCY always. Amen
Do you have a prayer request that you are willing to share with me? I’d be happy to pray for you. Please add Bob and his situation to your prayer list. Thank you!
“The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”
I embrace prayers And I embrace the pray-ers Reaching out to God
As Bob & I prepare to embark on our trip to London and Switzerland, we are humbled by the number of prayers being offered on our behalf by family and friends. Bob came back from his Alaska trip a week and a half ago unfit to travel again… but with care and prayer, he is so much better – – – and his doctors have given him the ok to take this next trip. It’s been booked since last March! We leave Sunday. Oh, time is swiftly passing!
We know God hears – and we know our dear Lord is holding us in the palm of His hand. We are grateful for the intercessory support.
I know you have faced challenging times, too, and you know the power of prayer when you are navigating rough waters.
I know Jesus is a pray-er. He modeled the effectiveness of prayer for us. I am not sure how many times in the Bible it says Jesus went to a quiet place and took time to pray… but I know it’s a lot! If He counted on speaking to God in order to determine His next steps, who am I to try to go it alone?
So, I am up this evening talking to God, knowing Jesus intercedes for me, too… and I can feel the prayers of friends and family who have shared comments such as, “Let us pray that all goes smoothly,” and “Praying for you and Bob… Seeing family is worth the effort. God’s peace,” and “I hope all of your test come back negative and your travel plans run smoothly.” Thank you, WordPress friends!
With a community of believers out there, friends sharing their prayers and good wishes, and with my faith in scripture such as James 5:16, I can go to bed this night and sleep peacefully. I know the One who holds me also holds the future … and wants only my good.
Thank You, Lord, for the love, support, and comfort You send through my spiritual family.
Thank you for helping me relax and put these COVID test results and travel requirements in God’s hands. If this trip to London and Switzerland is meant to be, all my worries are for nothing. As the meme above says, “Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change.” Instead, Jan, put your hand in the hand of the Man who stilled the waters!
Now that I am safely tucked into the Man from Galilee’s hand, I can relax and go get a good night’s sleep!
Embrace each sunset Trust the sun will rise again Pray for clearer skies
Taken on the way home from Bozeman last night with smoke-filled skies
Psalm 65:8 “They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.”
Embrace each sunset Know the sunrise is coming Count on God’s promise
One season follows After another each year Changing day by day
Enjoy the beautiful voice of Aled Jones in this lovely song that reinforces the Sunrise follows every sunset focus… Close your eyes and imagine your most beautiful sunset.
Tomorrow’s sunrise Brings with it great promises Embrace each sunset
See ya tomorrow (God Willing) Make the most of it! What will you do?
Tonight I am praying for my friend, {{{Derrick}}} Do you follow his blog? Check it out. The photography is as captivating as the text. I can hardly wait for the sunrise when we get to see him & Jackie in person! Stay tuned… I’ll share it with you.
His mum peacefully retired over her last sunset on earth. My heart goes to to Derrick & Jackie and their family. Rest in peace, Mum. God bless you. Leave the light on!
