Happy Sunday, my friends! Did you get to go to church this morning? Our church here in Ennis, Montana began today to resume in-person fellowship after the worship service. So good to be back in communication with our friends over a cup of coffee or tea and some wonderful refreshments.
This is Jo & Jim Forsberg who created these beautiful and tasty refreshments. I’m providing the fellowship refreshments next Sunday. This is a hard act to follow!
And now, back home in the comfort of our newly painted dining room, I am reviewing our sermon message today and wish to share it with you. As you know, I have a habit of taking notes in poetry as I listen to the message each Sunday. Here’s what Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds’ sermon at our Madison Valley Presbyterian Church said to me today:
Stay the Course
The road goes on – Listening each morning – A long, grueling journey – The road goes ever on.
It doesn’t seem hopeful – But, Jesus is on the road. We stand in solidarity With Him and His suffering.
Tolkien was encouraged – Lewis was hopeful, too. In a world of World War I, There was great disillusion.
The death toll was great In Europe and the US, too. The statistics kept rolling On the road – ever on…
Humanity tries to cheat And to wield power – Tries to play God – A dark, dangerous journey.
There is some good here In this world – and It is worth fighting for. Jesus knows no short cuts.
Only the long, grueling road – A journey that ends not In death, but in victory. We are on the road to Oneness.
Oneness with God Is the journey’s end. We stand in solidarity With Him. Stay the course!
(Quoting from Lord of the Rings?) “See the road roll past your doorway Calling for your feet to stray Like a deep and rolling river The road may sweep you far away.
BUT
Just beyond the horizon Like a waiting world unknown Like the dawn its beauty beckons With a wonder of its own.”
Oneness with God
Is the journey’s end.
We stand in solidarity
With Him. Stay the course!
Let’s journey together in love!
Thanks for joining me on today’s journey. Continue, my friends, to pray for the people of Ukraine. Pray for their journey to lead toward Oneness with God – and a peaceful Oneness with us all.
God speak of your love and peace to Putin. God help us all!
Bloganuary#16 asked us to write about something we are passionate about. I can’t pick just one! Can you? Do your passions include some of the six things I am passionate about?
Here are a half a dozen of mine:
1. Let’s start with my love of home and family and the delight at being safely back here again. That’s passionately on my heart right now after being gone 3 weeks, getting a miserable respiratory virus, and being cared for so lovingly by our son, Ty & his wife Monika:
Home Sweet Home
2. If you have read any of my blogs before this one, it will not surprise you that I am passionate about Jesus and His sacrifice that saved my soul. I love the Lord with all my heart and pray daily for His Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and actions, and to guard my tongue, and to inspire my writing. I read His Word daily and am passionate about inspiring others to Trust also in His promises.
3. I am passionate about music. Often I include a YouTube music clip at the end of my daily message here. I love to sing. I used to play the clarinet (was quite good once upon a time before arthritis bent my fingers so badly – my skill was thanks to years of private lessons my parents provided for me and hours of happy practice during those ages from 10 to 18 – – – I also play the accordion (you can find posts about that by putting “accordion” in the search bar in the upper right of my blog). I still am passionate about sharing the joy of the accordion with others – – – it’s like carrying a party on your back!
Here’s a wonderful video clip of a great song sent to me by a dear friend this morning:
4. I am passionate about cooking – and providing homemade meals for Bob and me that are pretty as well as nutritious and tasty. Besides music and writing, cooking is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s one of the reasons I love following Caralyn’s posts on BeautyBeyondBones. If you haven’t followed her blog, do yourself a favor and check her out.
5. That’s another thing I am passionate about: finding things, places, people, books and blogs I love and sharing them with others. Here’s a link I hope will take you to the source of the picture below = (Thank you, Caralyn) https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/36990166/posts/3768091539
Isn’t that mango salsa over a nice piece of flakey, cooked-to-perfection halibut enough to make your mouth water?
What are you passionate about? I’d love to hear.
There I am in those days when I was able to serve as a volunteer at the Food Bank. (I can’t right now… until I am sure this RSV is all gone … and until Bob & I return from our trip next week to Mayo Clinic). BUT, that’s #6 on my list of passions: using the time and talents God has given me to serve others with love and compassion.
I bet you do that, too (or are you waiting until you retire?)… Don’t! Begin now… it’s so rewarding! In this COVID world, find a way! Your talents are in passionate need out there!!
God Bless You! Thanks for visiting JanBeek. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Today a team of five willing helpers moved every bit of our furniture and appliances from our kitchen, dining room and living room. It was a monumental task!
Beekmans’ bare house
New wood flooring will be installed over this old, soft fir, scarred floor while we are gone to CA for Christmas and New Years. This is what the new/old wood will look like when it is finished:
That’s our friends, Julie & Mike’s new floor.
The wood is from a hundred year old silo in Malta, Montana. Bob saw it and fell in love with it. He decided it is what our house needs. When all is said and done, I hope it is as lovely as he anticipates – and it is worth the time, money, effort, and stress involved in such a major renovation! Our existing floor doesn’t look bad in the video, but it really is in bad shape – and the wood is soft – scars really easily. The replacement wood (going right over the top of this) will give us a brighter, lighter look. Happy New Year!
God bless our willing helpers who are making all this possible!
1921 silo in Malta, Montana
The crew who did all that work to move things today are saints! As I said, it was a major task! And the man who is harvesting the wood from this old silo is a wizard! His name is Paul. Do keep in in prayer. I just pray he maintains his health and is able to finish the project. It was originally planned for when we were on our trip to England and Switzerland last September, but Paul, FELL while doing the wood harvesting and broke some ribs and had other health issues that required surgery. So, of course, our project was postponed while he recuperated.
1921 silo
It’s fun to know the history of the wood – and to look forward to a new look in our home. But, it involves a whole lot more than what meets the eye… because one thing always leads to another, you know? I am reminded of Derrick & Jackie Knight’s recent renovation of their kitchen and entry and upstairs rooms. Derrick shared the step-by-step, day-by-day progress with us on his blog. Quite an undertaking!
We’ll be gone and Paul will be living here in our absence – – – doing his magic. I’ll show you the finished product (God willing) when we return next year, mid to late January. Meantime, do keep our safe travels in your prayers, will you? I’ll keep in touch along the way.
Have a Blessed Sunday. Bob & I will attend church this morning … and then do a little clean-up in our kitchen area to have it cleared and ready for Paul’s arrival tomorrow. What are your Sunday plans?
Us – looking forward to fun with family in sunny California
God bless you and keep you safe. See you tomorrow (God willing) Tomorrow is our day to pack! Love, JanBeek
Embrace your last best place It’s where you call your “Forever Home.” It’s the place you’re destined to stay When you decide to land – not roam.
“Our Last Best Place” is written on Our Montana license plates. It’s a motto for Bozeman, But Ennis is our place that rates.
It rates a forever stay. It’s where we want to be Until it’s time to eventually Leave for Eternity.
Our neighbors have a sign – It says home is a collection. It says home is a story – One with happy recollection.
I say home is a heartfelt Place where love is true – A place where when you have you go there, They always have room for you.
It’s a place where happy memories Have seeped into the wall And everywhere you look, Is a story to recall.
Grandpa DeAngeles’ cheese press (or is it an apple press – I wonder) Reminds me of my dad who had These treasures out in rain & thunder!
We had the piece restored And found a grape press to match. They sit in dining room corners – This one came without a scratch!
If rocking chairs could talk This would have stories galore. Bob’s great-grandma used it And our grandkids rocked some more.
This clock has a great history – It hung in Bob’s mother’s school. That was back in 1908-16 His mom was certainly no fool.
When the school house caught fire And the kids were evacuated, A lot of stuff ended in a pile. His mom saved this… she was elated.
The clock is not the only thing We inherited from our folks. Our house is full of those memories – Full of love and life and hopes.
The horseshoe has a history – The mortar Dad found in Merced River does, too. The pestle that goes with it Has seen more than a grind or two!
The books that line the living room Have stories – some written by friends, And the picture from Grimentz Has Swiss memories without ends.
I love the little angels On tables, counters and floor. Each one has a story And there’s always room for more.
That first one is from Terry, A friend who has my heart. The next one’s from our Laina – It’s meant for garden art.
Up in my sanctuary, There’s an angel in a dish. She’s playing the accordion – And she came with a great wish:
I wish you happy memories In this “Last Best Place” of yours. I know you’ll live here happily, Welcoming strangers through your doors.
It’s true, we love our Last Best Place – And we’ve welcomed many a guest. And we’re not through inviting them – Come – sit with us – we’re truly blessed!
Embrace Your Last Best Place
Are you in it now? Or do you anticipate where it will be… the one on earth, that is…
Tell me about it!
See ya tomorrow(God willing)
Love, JanBeek
Roy Rogers was my favorite as a kid… And never did I imagine I’d find a Home on the Range where the deer and the antelope play as my Last Best Place someday.
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.
When a friend comes up with an idea And you concur, what do you do? Do you encourage your friend to progress? Do you join in and help the idea come true?
My neighbor, whom I had not seen in a while, Said, “We need to have a get together.” I concurred and suggested a dinner – A progressive dinner – pray for good weather!
Well, the weather cooperated, and so did The “Hood” – our neighbors on our ridge. Last night we had a wonderful time… Time to set aside masks – cross that bridge!
So we did it… the first hosts had appetizers. Then it was lasagna at our house with yummy bread. Across the road we went for dessert — Our tummies and our hearts were well fed!
“The Hood” dinner at Beekmans
Rex & Penny served cake for dessert The Hocking House is a perfect gathering place!
We are blessed to live in a place where we All get along with our neighbors as friends. We’re so relieved this pandemic’s isolation Has finally subsided – The separation ends!
Penny & Rex’s cat supervised the event
When a friend comes up with an idea, Encourage the thought and run with it! You never know til you give it a try How very much you’ll have fun with it!
Back at home – beautiful evening sky
The outcome of Karen’s idea to get together As more successful than we could have guessed So – if you have an idea, my friends, share it! Don’t keep the outcomes buried in your chest!
What idea are you ready to share and run with? Trust your instincts. EMBRACE the OUTCOMES!
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Come join us for dinner!
See ya tomorrow. (God willing!) Have a great weekend.
Home Warm, cozy Feeling loved here Love the feeling here Embraced
Dormant Under ground Seeds and bulbs Lie waiting for sun Flowers
Collections Called clutter Some don’t understand It carries our history Memorabilia
Our good neighbor took this photo of our home with his drone. Yes, here it is April 14th and we had a snow flurry today! But spring WILL come. Beeeee patient!
Travel Far Away But return again It waits for you Home
We enjoyed being able to fly to Oregon to be with Bob’s sister, to support her and her family with our love during this time of loss. But, it felt so good to be back… Ennis is such a welcoming place. Yes, EMBRACE BEING HOME!
P.S. Elfchen are poems with eleven words, written in a pattern of 1+2+3+4+1… Aren’t they fun?
Cheers!
Thanks for stopping by to welcome me home! See ya tomorrow. JanBeek
janbeek 