I wrote this poem for my friend, Fran, as a comfort as she sees Hannah off on her final journey. Bon Voyage, dear pup. You’ve been a treasured friend for over 15 years. You’ve earned you eternal reward!
I Believe
I don’t have to understand In order to believe. I just have to trust – And know it’s okay to grieve.
When tragedy strikes – Like the death of a friend – I don’t have to comprehend Why my friend’s life must end.
I can just believe There’s a heaven and a hell. My friend will ascend To eternity to dwell.
In heaven are the ones Who lived by the Cross. They accepted God’s grace, So their death is not loss.
There are people and pets In that paradise up high. I don’t have to understand – Just anticipate the sky!
Rest in Peace, Sweet Hannah. Your cross to bear has ended – Your life you shared and blended. Your soul to heaven ascended.
See ya round the bend!
Have a blessed Saturday. Say a prayer for my friend, Fran.
These pictures below are from a book by Cynthia Rylant titled, “Dog Heaven.” It was a gift to us from the Colorado State Veterinary Hospital staff after our beloved Boston, Angela, died following a two year bout with cancer.
And thank God there are fields for romping in Heaven.
See ya round the bend. (Do you have a pet waiting for you in Heaven?)
Today’s sermon message by our guest pastor, Rev. Phil Taylen at the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church in Ennis, Montana, focused on the theological basis for our assurance of Eternity in Heaven.
It was timely, especially given the fact that this is the week my only sibling, my sister Sally, went to her eternal home.
If you die today, do you know where you’re going from here?
My guess is that the choice is pretty clear. I was looking for a picture of a black hole… because some people believe this is it! We’re here and then we’re nowhere. A black hole… that’s where they think they’re going. They don’t believe there is a place called Hell where they will burn in the fires of an afterlife separated from God.
Or is it Heaven?
Rev. Phil Taylen’s sermon was titled, “Soaring with Eagles.” He began with that question, “Where Will You Spend Eternity?” His answer was part of a movement he called “The Evangelism Explosion.” Even though he grew up in the Presbyterian Church, he was ordained by an Evangelical Ministry – and his sermon lecture today definitely got down to the basics!
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ is God.
Faith is Belief
Faith is the Connector. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
I don’t see the whole staircase. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Only Begotten Son, but I do not believe God will send all the Jews or Muslims or Hindus or Buddhists to Hell because they do not share my belief in Jesus as a part of the Trinity.
I believe God is bigger than religion. I believe God is omnipotent. I believe God knows all people – and He sees them through His eyes, not mine. That may make me a non-believer in some evangelical eyes. But I believe God is more inclusive than we can fathom.
I find enormous comfort in my faith – my belief in our Lord Jesus Christ – and I want to share that comfort and love with all I meet. I believe 2 Cor. 1:3-5 as quoted below:
Do you believe in Christ?
Thanks for visiting today. Have a Blessed Sunday. See ya tomorrow. Love, JanBeek
Today my sis, Sally, died. She was only a year and a half older than I. As children, Mom often dressed us alike. People thought we were twins.
As adults we looked so much alike, too, that our long-time friends sometimes called me Sally.
When you lose your only sibling, A part of you dies with her. Sally came every Thanksgiving from CA To spend the holiday with us in Montana.
Sally with oregano
Sally always came with an extra suitcase. She filled it with oregano that grew in her back yard. She spent most of the week here at the kitchen table or counter Picking the leaves off the oregano stems.
I have a couple of quart jars left of her herbs. When they are gone, another part of her Will disappear – You can’t find oregano that fresh – Not in a store, that’s for sure! Can you smell it?
Sally with our son, Ty’s kids
Sally was a nut about holidays! She had a closet full of clothes Sorted by the holiday they represented And she loved every one of them.
She joined her nieces and nephews For Halloween and Christmas, For Easter and birthdays, and For special lunches and dinners.
Sam, Faith, Hope and Jordan with Aunt Sally at Burger King
Sally loved giving gifts and playing games
Sally & Jordan shared a Dec. 20th birthday
They continued to share even as Jordan entered his teens and young adult years.
Bonnie was Sally’s best friend. They enjoyed many River Cats games together.
Sally & Ty
Naturally Sally was there to celebrate her daughter, Jodie’s wedding. Here she is at the wedding reception, dancing with her nephew, our son, Ty, the daddy of those nieces and nephews. And she was there of course, for her grandson, Liam’s baptism.
Bill & Jodie Welge (Sally’s dughter) and their infant son, Liam
Sally loved spending time with her grandson, Liam. During the last few years of her life, she moved from California to PA to be near her daughter, son-in-law, and her dear grandson, Liam.
Besides her family and holidays, Sally had a love of dogs. She inherited her poodle, Gigi, from our mom after Mom died. Gigi was stolen from Sally when Gigi was about 4 years old. Gigi was gone nine years, but Sally never gave up the idea of finding her!
Sally & Gigi
Sure enough, nine years after the theft, Sally received a call from a veterinarian. Gigi had a chip, and when she was found wandering, dirty, toothless, and infected, the person who found her brought her to a vet. The chip had Sally’s number. Can you imagine her joy at that reunion after nine long years? Gigi lived to be 15. Dear friends of ours here adopted her and gave her a loving last 9 months of life when Sally moved to PA and could not take Gigi with her to the Masonic Home.
Sally & Jodie at Christmas in Pennsylvania
Sally with me at Christmas in California
Can’t deny we’re sisters, can we?
Last Thanksgiving in Sewickley, PA
Although Alzheimer’s robbed my sis of her memory and ultimately of her ability to converse, she was tuned in and enjoyed the concert Liam and I presented in her nursing home last Thanksgiving. I am so glad Bob & I were able to go – and we had that time with her. My life is filled with wonderful memories of times we shared together.
I’m pregnant with Ty – Bob’s next to Sally & Dave with Denise and that’s our Mom & Dad in front
Bob & me with Sally & Dave – one Easter waaaay back when!
Sally had a life filled with service to others through her church, the Hospital Auxiliary, the Girl Scouts (she led a troop for at least 50 years) and her favorite organizations, Rebekahs and Eastern Star.
Her life also was one of tragedy (her oldest daughter died at age 19 and her husband, Dave, was only 60 when he died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack). But Sally was a trooper. She continued to volunteer and give of her time and talents to others.
I was blessed to grow up with a sister who had such a big, giving heart, She will be missed by all of us who loved her. But her spirit will live on.
Sally and Jan at my daughter, DeAna’s wedding in 1987
I know her spirit will recognize mine when I join her in Heaven someday. Meantime, rest in peace, dear Sis. I will carry your love with me always.
Thanks for visiting today my friends. Treasure every sunrise. Enjoy every sunset. Tell your siblings how much you love them.
Today I received in my “Messages” a picture of a dear friend who is fighting cancer. She is in a hospital bed at home. Her family is gathered around and her BFF (best friend forever) is on her way to be at her bedside. My heart goes out to the BFF and to my friend’s husband and children. Seeing a friend preparing to leave this earth is soooo hard!
But, my dear friend is a devoted Christian, and she knows where she is headed. She does not fear death, because she has a friend in Jesus – and she believes in God and His promises. It’s comforting to know where you will spend eternity. It’s just hard on those left behind.
Today’s sermon at Madison Valley Presbyterian Church was the perfect topic for this day when my heart is aching because my dear friend and her family are suffering.
Today we had a guest minister, Phil Taylen. Here are my
Sermon Notes on: “Friendship Sharing”
Friendship is a special thing. In it we all are connected. In the New Testament, we see how In God’s friendship, we all are protected.
The best part of friendship is Sharing with each other the Good News, Asking one another and telling them Of how Jesus opens new views.
God cares about our friendship. He opens His arms to you. Through Christ, He came to show us How to love as He loves: True.
As believers, we need YES faces; Our countenance should show Trust. God’s light should shine through us. Radiate His love; We MUST!
To communicate God’s love We must be trustworthy and fair. We must share our eternal vision, And tell our friends we’ll all be there!*
(*there is our eternal home with Christ and one another)
No one can ever say it all. What if I die this afternoon? What words will die with me That I should have shared at noon?
What words will die with me That I might have said too late? Is there a right time for silence – A perfect time for words to wait?
Have I left unspoken affirmations That should have been shared? Have I failed to let folks know How very much I cared?
If I die this afternoon, I want you to be sure and know That my love for you and God are deep. I hope the depths of it will glow.
I hope my unwavering faith Was an inspiration to you, And my prayers were comforting When you were feeling blue.
If I die this afternoon, May you smile when you think Of the things I did so sweet – And forget the things that stink!
May my words on blogs and cards Live on in your loving hearts, And keep you remembering how Reaching out’s where loving starts.
If I die this afternoon, Take care of my dear Bob. He needs me to help him dress, And do any technology job!
Take care of my TazE, too. She relies on me for her meals. I spoil her with hamburger And know just how she feels.
Let my blogging friends know That JanBeek will no longer send. Give them this last post, “Jan’s gone to her eternal end.”
If I die this afternoon, Be sure to help it to be true: As folks celebrated my birth, They’ll cheer my departure, too.
They won’t cry that I have left. Don’t mourn and feel bad – Know that I am in Heaven Reunited with Mom and Dad.
Know that I will be at the gate To greet you when you ascend. And live your life with dreams Unfulfilled until the very end.
Never stop dreaming big, As Bob Goff wrote in his book. Live fully each day you’re here, With new thoughts and delights to cook.
If I die this afternoon, Let Bob know it’s alright To find another love in life – Someone to hug and hold him tight.
Tell my kids that I always did My best to leave a loving legacy. I pray they’ll smile more than frown When things come up to remember me.
Remember my smile!
But of course, the chances that I am going to die this afternoon are slim. I am a healthy 81-year-old who expects to live happily to celebrate my 100th birthday, BUT…
“If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.”
I have an old faded cardboard with poems on it posted inside my kitchen cabinet door. They are poems gathered by my mom in 1936, the year she & Dad married – and she moved from her family in Washington to live the rest of her 89 years in California. She had most of those poems memorized.
One of my favorites reads:
“When I quit this mortal shore, And mosey round the earth no more, Don’t weep, don’t sigh, don’t sob – I may have struck a better job.
Don’t go and buy a large bouquet For which you’ll find it hard to pay, Don’t mope around and feel all blue – I may be better off than you.
Don’t tell the folks I was a saint Or any old thing that I ain’t. If you have jam like that to spread, Please hand it out before I’m dead.
If you have roses, bless your soul, Just pin one in my buttonhole, While I’m alive and well today. Don’t wait until I’ve gone away.”
Reaching up in prayer and praise I thank the Lord for all His gifts. As long as I have life and breath, I’ll reach out to give others lifts.
I hope you’ll use your senior years To do the same – to spread your love – Because we are blessed to be a blessing. For every day, I thank. God above.
My Prayer for You
When your time comes To say good-bye to earth, May the angels welcome you And your friends rejoice at your New Birth! Amen
Welcome to Heaven, Phyllis. I miss you here… But I rejoice at your Eternal Reunion. May all who were blessed by your presence And who entered the pearly gates before you did Be there to welcome you HOME. God bless you! Keep the light on!
My heart is heavy. God answered my fervent prayer. So why am I sad?
My cousin, Cliff, died. I received the news today: God answered my prayer.
I prayed for freedom – Freedom from this earthy pain. Our God is faithful.
His family gathered; All his loved ones surrounded, And God took him home.
God of Great Mercy, Thank you for answering prayer. Now, heal my heart’s hole!
Cliff & Janine with their two daughters and sons-in-law, two sons, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons
Cliff and Janine are two of my favorite people in the world! And now Cliff has left this world… but he lives on in the hearts of all of us who will always love him.
Janine’s mom is my second cousin, Betty. Her mom was my mom’s oldest sister’s oldest daughter.
That sounds rather confusing and maybe like a “distant relative”… but there is nothing distant about my relationship with Janine. I was twelve when my family drove from California to Washington to visit mom’s family near Seattle in Issaquah… and to meet Aunt Evelyn’s first grandchild.
Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Hans were my first connection to the land of Switzerland which claimed our daughter DeAna about two dozen years later! Uncle Hans immigrated from the German part of Switzerland to the state of Washington. Their daughter, my cousin, Betty, with her husband, Nick, lived right across the alleyway from her parents. Knowing we were there, she came over with her new baby, Janine. You know my name in JAN – and so I immediately claimed JANine as my own!!
I was there for Cliff and Janine’s wedding. I claim Cliff as my cousin, too!
Cliff was “Opa” to his three grandsons. A more doting and loving grandfather never graced this earth! I am so sad that those three boys will not have the presence of the Opa as they grow into adulthood. And the youngest one is too little to have lasting memories of him. It makes me cry!
Cliff was a robust man – a former University of Washington champion rower – weighing over 200 pounds most of his adult life. Cancer and the chemo treatments wasted away his body and took away his strength – and eventually his life. But his spirit lives on.
He’ll remain strong and robust forever in all of us who knew and loved him.
We are a vast array of Cliff-Dwellers!
Love and condolences to Hans, Stefan, Janine, Heidi, and Erika
God bless you, my Word Press family. Thank you for praying for my cousin, JANine, and her family. See ya tomorrow. JanBeek
Montana is home It’s a most beautiful state Photographer’s Dream!
Larry Stolte
Mike Flaherty
Urs Keller
Tom Hartley
Tom Hartley
Shelia Shaw
Jesse Vargas
Curtis Wallace
Ed Coyle
Danette Woods
Montana’s my home Coming here was our best move Come and visit us!
The snow is meltng. I know spring is on its way. Yes, green is coming!
When COVID-19 Allows us to travel again Come to Montana!
Thanks for taking a virtual visit with me today via all these wonderful photographers’ lenses. I pray for you and your health and safety. Bee well, my friends, and have a Wonderful Weekend.
All across China, people are talking about Dr Li Wen Liang. He was the doctor who discovered the novel corona virus and in the early morning of February 7, 2020 at 2:58 am, he was promoted into glory and went home to be with our Father in heaven.
Back in December last year, he was arrested for being a whistleblower ‘spreading rumors’ about a mysterious pneumonia like virus. This morning we found out he was in fact a fellow brother in Christ. Our hearts are deeply moved by his sacrificial choice to spread awareness about the virus despite the risks he faced, especially to his reputation and to his own health.
He continued to care for patients up until he was infected himself. What a legacy to leave behind of what it means to be like Jesus to those hurting in a time of crisis. He chose to be an example of Immanuel, ‘God with us’ to the people of Wuhan.
Can you imagine the joy he must have felt as he entered into eternity and heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”?
So today, please pray for his family, especially his wife who is also infected and 8 months pregnant with their second child. May God heal them supernaturally and give them grace, peace, strength and comfort during this time.
Dr Li Wen Liang penned a deeply touching Chinese poem. It is translated below into English. The original Chinese is there, telling of how he would miss his family, his beloved Wuhan, and then he quoted 2 Tim 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
He went on to write, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
“The Hero Who Told The Truth” Here is a captivating, heart-touching Chinese poem I’ve tried to translate into English. It was written in memory of Mr Li Wenliang, a Christian doctor and whistleblower who died from the corona virus himself after being punished for issuing the first warning about the deadly corona virus outbreak. 我不想當英雄。 我還有爹娘， 還有孩子， 還有懷孕臨產的妻， 還有許多的病人在病房。 盡管正直換不來善良， 盡管䢛途迷茫， 可還是要繼續進行， 誰讓我選擇了這國這家， 多少委屈， 等打完這仗， 垂淚如雨仰天遠望。 “I don’t want to be a hero. I still have my parents, And my children, And my pregnant wife who’s about to give birth, And many of my patients in the ward. Though my integrity cannot be exchanged for the goodness of others, Despite my loss and confusion, I should proceed anyway. Who let me choose this country and this family? How many grievances do I have? When this battle is over, I will look up to the sky, With tears like rain.” 我不想當英雄。 只是做為醫生， 我不能眼看著這不明的病毒， 傷害著我的同行。 還有那多無辜的人們， 他們盡管已奄奄一息， 可眼睛裏總望著我， 帶著生命的希望。 “I don’t want to be a hero. But as a doctor, I cannot just see this unknown virus Hurting my peers And so many innocent people. Though they are dying, They are always looking at me in their eyes, With their hope of life.” 誰成想我競死了！ 我的靈魂分明在天上， 望著那張白色的病床， 床上分明是我的軀體， 軀體上還是那熟悉的臉龐。 我的父親母親在哪？ 還有我親愛的妻子， 那當年我苦苦追求的姑娘。 “Who would have ever realised that I was going to die? My soul is in heaven, Looking at the white bed, On which lies my own body, With the same familiar face. Where are my parents? And my dear wife, The lady I once had a hard time chasing?” 天上有一道光！ 那光的盡頭是人們時常說起的天堂。 我寧願不去哪裏， 我寧願回到武漢我的家鄉。 那裏有我新買的房子， 每月還要還貸的賬。 我怎能舍得， 我怎能舍得！ 沒有兒子的爹娘， 該有多麽悲傷； 沒有了丈夫的寶貝， 該如何面對這未來的滄桑。 “There is a light in the sky! At the end of that light is the heaven that people often talk about. But I’d rather not go there. I’d rather go back to my hometown in Wuhan. I have my new house there, For which I still have to pay off the loan every month. How can I give up? How can I give up? For my parents without their son, How sad must it be? For my sweetheart without her husband, How can she face the vicissitudes in her future?” 我分明死了。 我看見他們把我的軀殼， 裝進一個袋子。 在袋子的近傍 有許多死去的同胞， 象我一樣， 在黎明時分， 被推進火的爐堂。 “I am already gone. I see them taking my body, Putting it into a bag, With which lie many compatriots Gone like me, Being pushed into the fire in the hearth At dawn.” 再見了，難舍的親人。 永別了，武漢我的故鄉。 但願你們在災難過後， 還記得曾經有人， 努力地讓你們盡早知道真相。 但願你們在災難過後， 學會正直， 不再讓善良的人們， 遭受著無盡的恐懼， 和無奈的悲傷。 “Goodbye, my dear ones. Farewell, Wuhan, my hometown. Hopefully, after the disaster, You’ll remember someone once Tried to let you know the truth as soon as possible. Hopefully, after the disaster, You’ll learn what it means to be righteous. No more good people Should suffer from endless fear, And helpless sadness.” “那美好的仗我已經打完了， 應行的路我已行盡了， 當守的道我守住了。 從此以後， 有公義的冠冕為我留存。” 《聖經》提摩太後書4:7 “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” 2 Timothy 4:7, Holy Bible
Rest in peace, Dr. Li Wen Liang. God bless you – and God be with your dear family. We all will pray for your wife, your son, and your unborn child. May God miraculously heal her and save your children. Amen
They are not forgotten.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
I hope this story touched your heart as it did mine. Please join me in prayer for Mrs. Liang and the victims of this deadly virus. Pray for a cure!
If you’ve followed my blog for a week or more, You know that I attend the Presbyterian Church in Ennis, Montana each Sunday, and I take sermon notes. I take them in poetry – that’s just the way my brain filters the message as I hear it. It helps me listen, and remember, and share with Bob when we get home.
Today’s sermon by our pastor, Rev. Steve Hundley, was titled, “What is Heaven Like?” Here’s my take-away on it:
If Heaven is as it should be, Then I’m gonna sit on the bank Of a beautiful river with my rod And thank God for every yank.
But I know Heaven is beyond My wildest imagination. I know it’ll be flowing with life, With no death, tears or stagnation.
I’m gonna ask God for help to Understand what Heaven is like; And since I have a Harley here, I’m gonna ask if I’ll have my bike.
I’m gonna ask God for help to Understand how I’ll recognize The loved ones who went before me. Will I know ’em when I look in their eyes?
Our Bible assures us that we Will experience joy beyond bounds, So I’m sure I’ll know the angels Who’ll welcome me with glorious sounds.
I know I’ll be healed and whole In Eternity with those I love. So, Heaven will be as it should be When I join my Lord in Heaven above.
When I get to Heaven, I’m gonna Run and leap like a frisky deer. So, when I leave this earth, friends, Don’t weep, don’t cry; Take joy and cheer!
Bikers will find their Harley, and …
I’ll meet my Bostons there!
And Jesus will meet me at the Pearly Gates!
It’ll be Thanksgiving with all our loved ones gathered ’round, and it’ll feel like a Homecoming!
