The poem above is an edited version of an original by Bob Perks. I first read his poem about two decades ago. It spoke to me. Like the one above, it did not give credit to the poet, so I credited “Anonymous.” I posted it on my FaceBook page or somewhere (I wasn’t on WP yet at that time).
I heard from Bob Perks. He was irate! People were posting his poem, tweaking it, and not giving him credit. I had done so innocently. Maybe others were as unknowing as I.
Is it OK to use someone else’s words without acknowledging them? Bob Perks said, “No, that’s plagiarism!”
But if you saw the poem posted as I did, without an author’s name, how would you go about researching who wrote it?
In today’s world, I just “Googled it!” I found this version:
Is that really Bob Perks’ original version? How can I tell? And is it ok for some company to put it on a plaque and sell it for profit without the poet getting some kind of royalty? Did Bob Perks copyright it? I don’t know.
I have mixed feelings on this subject – because I have always believed that when someone steals your idea it is a form of flattery. After all, they liked it that much, right?
People have been doing that with Jesus’ words and ideas for centuries.
Did Nancy DeMoss really create that idea?
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
People always are rephrasing Jesus’ words. There are countless translations of the Bible and dozens of books that paraphrase it. But, they do not take the ideas without giving credit to the creator, do they?
So, is it OK to be a copycat without acknowledgement?
Depends… depends on who you’re copying and why! Sometimes copying is considered a cheap form of imitation.
As an elementary school principal, I used encourage my teachers to share their good ideas with others – and be happy if someone copied their method, stole their lesson plan, or imitated their teaching style. It’s OK to go beyond admiring an idea. It’s OK to use it, embellish it, improve upon it, personalize it. Is it enough to just recognize the other for their inspiration? If you copy, do you need permission?
In our WordPress world, we try to ask permission before reposting someone’s idea. If we don’t get an answer, is it enough to just acknowledge the source?
Lee Ann Womack advocates originality.
I believe Bob Perk’s poem is a beautiful original. He deserves to receive credit for it. I wish him ENOUGH accolades to satisfy his heart’s content. I love following his ideas even today on FaceBook. https://www.facebook.com/bob.perks
His website is about Starting Over… New Beginnings
I bet Bob Perks has had ENOUGH of this rewriting of his poem and people copying and tweaking it. I bet he is ready to move on… start over … reinvent his image. As a writer, he now says he is a “Speaker” and a “Vocalist.” He’s said ENOUGH of that old life. Let’s begin again. His website says, “Starting Over Again” at the top of it.
I am an orginal. You are an original. There is no one else on earth like you. Your eyes are only yours. Your fingerprints are only yours. Your voice is an original – only yours! Celebrate your originality!
Cheers!
Loved having you visit today. Come back again tomorrow and celebrate my birthday with me, OK? I wish you enough!
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
With the inspiration provided by scripture, prayer, daily devotionals, and a constant walk with my Lord, I am inspired every day be seek His Will for my life. I am inspired to seek His Truth. I am inspired to share His Love. I am inspired to share the Good News!
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
I pray that Jesus inspires you, too.
Now, if I have to choose someone who is on earth today… a living human who inspires me, I would not be able to narrow is down to one person! Here are a few:
Derrick Knight – he inspires me to blog every day as he does, and to respond to all who leave a comment on my post (just as he does).
Ty and Monika – our son and daughter-in-law – they inspire me with their big hearts and open hospitality, their love for one another, their family and neighbors, and their faithfulness. They inspire me to be more open and communicative about my faith in Christ.
Marcie Fernandes – my long-time friend – she inspires me to be more forgiving, more open to seeing the good in others, less quick to be judgemental.
DeAna & Andre’ – our daughter and son-in-law – in Switzerland – they inspire me to be more “in the moment.” Carpe’ Diem!
It would be fun to have those six folks together here at Ty & Monika’s in California right now, but they are spread from here to England to Tennessee to Switzerland! They all live in my heart and my prayers each day, though.
Who inspires you and why? It’s a thoughtful question, don’t you agree?
Jesus inspires me to rely on Him
Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Today I am reblogging a post by Pat Cegan… It touched me … and inspired me to want to be sure my palette is comprised of the kind thoughts of compassion, love, and other gifts of the Spirit Pat describes.
Thank you, Pat!
Unkind Thoughts — Source of Inspiration
An unkind thought is a double edge blade. It cuts the sender and receiver. If our thoughts covered receivers with visible colors, what colors would the world be? Am I creating rainbows of harmony or do dark colored clouds fill my world? May I have a palette of compassion yellow, healing greens, sacred purples, love-filled […]
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”
Life can beat us down with trials, sorrows and debilitating worries. God’s messages about our future hope can deeply encourage, inspire, uplift and motivate us.
Don’t worry; be happy!
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.”
Psalm 16:9
“‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I hope in Him!’”
Lamentations 3:24
H ang O n to P ositivity and E ncouragement
As we prepare to return to Bozeman today for more lab work and a bone marrow biopsy for Bob, our hearts are full of gratitude for all the love and support extended to us during this time of tests, unknowing, waiting, and hopefulness. Our faith is strong and our prayers are many. Your prayers for Bob’s good results and proper/effective treatment are heard, we’re sure. Our God cares. Our God’s got this! We can rest in this knowledge. We can feel His loving arms around us. Thank you all!
I will keep you posted as we learn more. Yesterday the gastroenterologist (GI doctor) confirmed that the blood in the stool is not colon cancer… and the cause is more superficial. That was an answer to prayer. Today we are praying the bone marrow scan confirms that this is not AL Amyloidosis (a cancer in the marrow). The doctors are busy trying to rule things out so when they send us to Mayo Clinic, the experts there can move on to finding what type it IS (if in fact it IS that rare disorder)… and then a proper treatment can begin. The symptoms include a lower functioning of both the heart and the kidneys resulting in lack of stamina. That’s really hard for this guy who is used to hard, physical work and never having to think twice about what he is capable of doing!
Meantime, we start each day with grateful hearts for our friends here on WP, our supportive neighbors and family, and our God who holds us all in His care.
God bless you. Have a wonderful Thursday. Embrace Hopefulness!
Love, JanBeek
The Bozeman Library is a great place to be while I wait for Bob’s procedures to be finished!
Daily Guideposts 2021 devotional today inspired this blog topic. After I chose “Multiplying” as my EMBRACE theme today, every place I looked, I saw evidence of answers to my question, “But what needs to be multiplied?”
When you hear/read the word “multiplying” what comes to mind? I asked Bob that question this morning after my devotional time while we were chatting at the breakfast table.
“Increasing comes to mind. Numbers come to mind,” he answered.
What comes to your mind?
In her blog this morning, Marva Seaton wrote about multiplying. She didn’t use the word, but the concept definitely was there.
The first devotional that inspired this theme was in Daily Guideposts. The scripture passage was:
John 15:12 (MSG)
Love one another the way I loved you.
❤
The prayer at the bottom of the page for today, June 24th read:
“All loving God, we thank You for those You’ve graced us with, who offer encouragement, inspiration, and hope.
Amen”
Embrace the people who share that encouragement with you.
In my mind, that’s what needs to be multiplied: faith (in God and the Holy Spirit in you), self-confidence, strength, hope, and love.
You have to believe in yourself.
Multiply your self-confidence.
Multiply your prayers. Multiply your requests to God.
He is there to listen, to respond, and to make you great!
You can live your dreams…
What you need is all in you!
You can multiply your power if you understand God’s power is in you!
Starting last week, her first week on the job, our new pastor, Mary Grace Reynolds, sent out a “Weekly Word.” It will be e-mailed to us every Thursday.
In it, she gives the congregation glimpses into what the week will hold. She shares announcements and then she shares a scripture and her “take-away” from that passage.
Today’s “Weekly Word” message fit right in to the “Multiplying” theme:
Yes, Embrace Multiplying!
Multiply your faith. Reach out and touch. Share. Believe in the power. Take courage! Multiply the love, the affection, the healing, the embracing.
My hugs are included in this post to you. Have a beautiful day!
We All have Gifts to give All others do, too Embrace
Embrace The gifts Celebrate others’ gifts Open them with care Receive
Gifts
Recognize And see What others give To enhance your life Appreciate
Name Your gifts Use them lovingly Share them with humility Blessings
Gifts are blessings to be shared
Share Love and Time and compassion Remember that you matter Engage
Engage In life With your heart Wide open to receive Gifts
Gifts Don’t always Come all wrapped In pretty Christmas packages Discern
Precious Loving gifts Often are disguised In very simple acts of Humility
You Have gifts Unique to you Never underestimate your impact Shine
Shine Your gifts With loving kindness Embrace the many opportunities Smile!
Thanks For coming To JanBeek today Your loving presence here Matters
Elfchen or Elevensie is a poetic form that uses eleven words in a configuration of 1,2,3,4,1. Did you recognize it as you read my post today? If you haven’t already, you should try it. It’s fun! Thank you, Richard at Big Sky Buckeye for inspiring me and sharing your gift! Check out his blog, my friends.
See ya tomorrow
P.S. I found this insightful You.Tube presentation on the subject of GIFTS… gifts of the Holy Spirit. I thought it was quite well done – and a good addition to the topic, Embrace Gifts. If you have time, I highly recommend it.
JanBeek 