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Posts tagged ‘inspiration’

Finding Strength

Finding Strength

  This morning I received an e-mail from a dear cousin. Her husband has esophageal cancer. The chemo and radiation treatments are making him feel tired, gaunt, and bored with the required liquid diet. Swallowing is painful. He’s lost 30 pounds. .  

In the midst of life’s struggles, we need strength, courage, and assurance. Where do we find it?

Joshua 1:5-9 “No one will be able stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you. Be strong and courageous… Be strong and very courageous… Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

In my morning devotional today

from In Touch Ministries,

this very scripture and topic were discussed.

 
 

Yes, obstacles are faith’s fertilizer!

As the devotional said,

“Obstacles are one way our faith can grow.”

    What obstacles are you facing today? They may not be as serious as cancer of the esophagus, but every challenge we face is an opportunity to lean on our faith and allow the obstacle to grow us. Use them as stepping stones. Know that God is with you. Be assured by that cross that hangs in my sanctuary and reminds me daily to remember what our Creator tells me: “Be Still and know that I AM God.” .  

My cousin’s husband is Jehovah’s Witness. I have sent him a couple of inspirational cards wishing him well and reminding him that I have him in my daily prayers.

 

My cousin told me in her e-mail today, “While he may not agree with all your theology… he most certainly believes in God and appreciates your prayers.”

.

I am reminded that God is soooo much bigger than religion. God is the Creator of us all. God loves and cares for us all. We may not practice our religious beliefs the same way, but our faith in God binds us together as one.

    As Christians, we say we are “One in Christ.” We believe in the Trinity – that God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are One. Who am I to say that those who say we are “One in God, our Creator” are wrong? God is Omnipotent. He sees into the heart of us all. When He promises, “I am with you,” he’s talking to you … each of you! .  

What obtacles are fertilizing YOUR faith today? Be still and know God is with you.

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Now, go in peace.

Believe

Let your obstacles become stepping stones.

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, Family, God, health, Heartache, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Love, peace, prayer, Promises

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You Have the Power

You Have the Power

This post is dedicated to my #1 Grandson.
He recently graduated from college,
received his well-earned diploma,
and has a couple of part-time jobs,
equaling 100% employment.
It was not an easy road,
but he has tenacity…
He stuck with it.
He did it!

I am so proud of him!

 

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Happiness is living life true
In a way that allows you
To be all God made you to be
And doing it on a path of integrity.

No one says it will be easy.
Sometimes it’s light and breezy,
But mostly it’s just hard work
And determination not to shirk.

So, run the race of life with grit.
Set your goal and stick to it.
When times are tough, keep going –
You crossed the finish line  knowing

You Have the Power!

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Congratulations, Mike!

Did you, or do you have a person in your life who used their grit and tenacity to achieve a goal in spite of all odds? This post is for you!

And if you are in the midst of a struggle – wondering if the blood, sweat, tears, and heartache, setbacks and discouragements are worth it. Believe in your goals. Believe in yourself. Stick with it.

You have the power!

Have a good night.
It’s my bedtime.

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See you tomorrow!

 

Category:

Family, happiness, learning, Life's Challenges, Love, Poetry, work

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Nature Speaks to Me

Autumn’s Here

fall colors-bathroom

Sitting on toilet
Looking at the bathroom sight
I see Autumn’s here

Fall Too Soon

It’s only mid-September. Summer didn’t come ’til  late June. I’m not ready for fall already! But, look at those orange leaves. They are speaking to me. There’s no denying it. Autumn is here!

Get Ready

Get ready for four-wheeling trips on our favorite mountain trails. I’ll let you go vicariously with me as we revisit this season of change in the Rocky Mountains – the Tobacco Root Range to the west of us and the Gravelly Range south and southwest of us.

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What speaks to you during this season of change? Add your own thoughts to the following prompts:

  • the beauty of the _
  • the softness of the _
  • the fragrance of the _
  • the rhythm of the _
  • the faintness of the _
  • the freshness of the _
  • the strength of the _
  • the taste of _
  • the trail of the _

And now, read the poem below
and see how poets George and Hirnschall
completed the prompts.

In their book, Spiritual Literacy, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat speak of this relationship between us and nature. They quote a poem that speaks to my heart as the seasons change and the beauty of the earth shines around us.

Chief Dan George and Helmet Hirnschall, wrote this poem:

The beauty of the trees,
the softness of the air,
the fragrance of grass,
speaks to me.
.
The summit of the mountain,
the thunder of the sky,
the rhythm of the sea,
speaks to me.
.
The faintness of the stars,
the freshness of the morning,
the dewdrop of the flower,
speaks to me.
.
The strength of fire,
the taste of salmon,
the trail of the sun,
and the life that never goes away,
they speak to me.
.
And my heart soars.

Enjoy these beautiful days.
Share with me those things of nature that speak to you
and make your heart soar.
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See ya later!

Category:

Gratitude, Haiku, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, nature, Poetry

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In Order to Shine

Just what does it take
In order to shine?
Must you be complete?
.
Just what does it take
To light up a room?
Must you be perfect?
.
I asked that question
Of the sliver of a moon.

z-moon - not whole.
So on this gray day –
Sad memories haunting me,
I let my light shine.
.
You can, too.
Reach out!

backlit clouds dawn dusk
See you tomorrow.

Category:

blessings, Giving, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Love, mental health, Poetry, Serving One Another

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Universal Responsibility

With the flooding in the Bahamas and the hurricane Dorian threatening the east coast of the USA, our sense of responsibility for one another is heightened.

Our friends – people, animals, all – need us.

What can we do to help?

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Lock arms with your neighbor. Decide together on some course of action.

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Reach out across color and ideologies and countries and oceans. Reach out to others with a pure heart and a love for all God’s creations.

man hugging american pit bull terrier puppy close up photo

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Don’t be timid. Take a clue from our animal kingdom. Reach out in love to those near you… … and those far away.

boy wearing blue shirt sitting on swing

Photo by Git Stephen Gitau on Pexels.com

Find the need… a universal need… that you can do something about…

 
man sits on hammock while eating

Photo by Denniz Futalan on Pexels.com

And just do it!

How far can your arm reach today? Stretch out and test it!! Do you have an idea about something you can do? Share it!
opened left palm

Photo by Oleg Magni on Pexels.com

pexels-photo-887349-2 See ya tomorrow. JanBeek

 

Category:

Animals, friendship, Giving, Life's Challenges, Love, Serving One Another, Sharing

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Ten Ways to Keep Marriage Alive

Ten Ways to Keep Marriage Alive

 

accessory anniversary band celebration

Bob and I have been married more than 57 years. Our love for one another is more alive today than it ever has been. (I read that statement to him just now and asked if he agreed. Of course, he said, “Of course,” That’s part of the secret, guys! Ya gotta readily agree on things like that!)

How do we do it? How do we keep love alive after all these years? What is a healthy marriage anyway?

Jane Smiley, in her book, At Paradise Gate, wrote the following:

“You know what getting married is? It’s agreeing to take this person who right now is at the top of his form, full of hopes and ideas, feeling good, wildly interested in you because you’re the same way, and sticking by him while he slowly disintegrates. And he does the same for you. You’re his responsibility now, and he is yours. If no one else will take care of him, you will. If everyone else rejects you, he won’t.

What do you think love is? Going to bed all the time? Poo! Don’t be weak. Have some spine! He’s yours and you’re his. He doesn’t beat you or abuse you, and you’ve made the same bargain. Now that you know what it’s like to be married, now that all the gold leaf has sort of worn off, you can make something of it; you can really learn to love each other.”

I love that take on marriage by Jane Smiley. It coincides with my opinion on what it takes to make a marriage work. Here is my list:
Ten Constant Steps toward Being Married Happily Ever After:

  1. Accept and Respect one another’s differences, and celebrate your areas of sameness.
  2. Stick by one another – even as you slowly disintegrate.
  3. Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Be forgiving.
  4. Defend one another to a hostile world.
  5. Be strong in your faith; pray and laugh and play together.
  6. Be a diligent partner, doing more than your share without bitterness or resentment or complaint.
  7. Praise one another for the little things.
  8. Never take one another for granted.
  9. Always be trustworthy; don’t stab one another in the back!
  10. Practice the art of compromise – with God as your Constant Guide.

Keep Learning

Yes, when all the gold leaf has sort of worn off and you’re each comfortable in your own space, keep the space open and inviting. Invite one another in. Keep on learning to love one another as long as you both shall live.

You’re in this box together. You’re in it for the long haul. Enjoy the ride!

box cheerful color cute

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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Hang tight!!


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See ya later.

 

Category:

blessings, contentment, Faith, friendship, Giving, God, happiness, health, learning, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, Promises, respect, Serving One Another

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Reaching Out to Others

Reaching Out To Others

 

man and woman holding hands on brown wooden table

Happy Friday morning to you, my friends.
What’s on your calendar for today?

Many of you know that I am a retired educator
who enjoys spending my time volunteering.
I enjoy the spirit of “Paying it Forward.”
It’s not difficult to find people and places
where a helping hand is needed.

One of my favorite places to volunteer my time
is at our local nursing home.
I am a member of the auxiliary there.
At the beginning of each monthly meeting
we all recite this prayer together:

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When I read “all who are in distress of mind and body,”
I personalize it and think of the specific friends
who now live in the nursing home,
and remember them as the
independent, capable,
helpful folks they were…
that person is still in them!!

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Here is my friend, Elaine,
Always reaching out to others,
Always ready with a smile,
The life of every party!

Living now in half a room
in a nursing home,
dependent on others for meals,
transportation, shelter…
It must be hard!

Loneliness could set in
if caring people did not reach out
with generosity, discretion,
and gentleness.

My friend, Elaine, is one of the fortunate ones.
She has a son and daughters nearby.
They come regularly to visit
and to take her to church and to their homes.

Others are not so blessed.
They sit alone in their rooms,
waiting for the next meal, or
the next CNA to come in to check on them,
unless someone volunteers
to come and lead the Bingo game,
visit with them in their room
or on the patio on a good day,
or sit with them in the dining hall.

What can you do to reach out to others
who are in need of comfort, hope,
and companionship?

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This wonderful lady lived for nearly 25 years
in our local nursing home.
Her mom visited her daily,
but could not care for her in the apartment
where she lived alone.
As Karen’s MS progressed, she became
less and less able to manage her own affairs.
But she was always a lion at heart.
A strong soul who inspired those around her.
This face painting and costume
was done for her one Halloween a few years ago
by my granddaughter.
What a joy to see my friend’s true spirit emerge!!

Here is another person who was a lion at heart!

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One Thanksgiving, we had my friend Gloria,
come to celebrate the holiday with us.
She lived in the nursing home the last 5 to 10 years
of her long and illustrious life
(she used to sing with the NY Opera!).
Getting to know her and spending time
talking to her about her life
was such a privilege!!

Another one of my friends
was one who lived alone in a log house
at the edge of the Madison Range
where the deer and the antelope roam.
One early December day we went together to the nail salon
and had matching polish jobs.
See the snowmen on our pinky fingers?

Hands On Christmas

If nursing homes
or visiting the elderly in their homes
are not your bag,
think of other places where you can
reach out to help others.

Today I am volunteering at the
Madison Valley Medical Center.
We “Purple Ladies” do a lot to raise money
for hospital  equiment and other needs,
and to save money by being the
receptionists at the front desk
daily from 8: to 5:
The last two Fridays each month are my turn.

ladiesaux-johnbishop.jpg

I’m the “shrimp” with the silver hair in the middle back.

Today is my day to serve.
Better get going.

Who will you reach out to today
with wisdom and humility
to help make their life better?

Jan @ MVMC
See ya later!

 

Category:

Aging Gracefully, blessings, friendship, happiness, health, life, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Serving One Another

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Let’s Practice Seeing Souls

Practice Seeing Souls

beating-heart

Pat Cegan, in her blog, Source of Inspiration,
posted the following this morning:

The soul is not human;
it is Divine
connecting with
the entire matrix
of our Creator.

The soul has no lessons
to learn; it is perfect
love energy incapable
of errors.

That which you call me
is this soul temporarily
experiencing life on Earth
as an imperfect human being.

All souls are part of Source,
and, like a hologram, are complete
Source in every way, perfect in
their entirety.

Thank you, Pat for that glimpse of me
that is, that was, and that always will be.

That part of me that is perfect love,
incapable of error.

Oh, if I could just tap into
that part of me daily,
and see that part in every other person.

How much better life would be!

see souls.jpg
I see you…
I see your soul…

Do you see mine?

I love you, dear friend.
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See ya again later!

Category:

blessings, blogging, friendship, God, learning, Love, mental health, Poetry, self-acceptance, writing

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That Tiny Spark

Strength Within.jpg

Your Goal

Do you have a goal that you’ve been working to accomplish? Does it seem that the harder you work toward it, the farther away it seems to be?

Sometimes trying to accomplish a goal is like eating a bowl of spaghetti. You take a bite and the pasta grows to fill the hole you thought you’d made!

My Goal

The pasta growth is a perfect example for me to use today because my goal is to get back to my “Goal Weight.” I had a potluck at my house yesterday – and lasagna was the main dish. It was soooo good! But, this morning at TOPS, it showed up as .75 of a pound on the scale!!

I was the Queen of the State of Montana TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) back in I don’t remember when… 2013 or so. Earned that status by reaching my goal weight and in the process losing 30+ pounds that had crept up on me over about a 30 year period.

Then like that pasta that fills the void, over the next few years, ten of those pounds have crept back on. My body has settled at this and decided it likes this place on the scale. Well, I don’t!

Arguing with Self & Others

Some of my TOPS friends tell me I should change my goal weight. Afterall Jan, at 80 you’re not supposed to look like you did at 30! Well, that’s not my goal. I just wanna look and feel like I did when I had 10 pounds less than I do now. Thirty was nice, but it’s unrealistic for me now. I’d look gaunt!

Mother-Daughter

Here I am almost 50 years ago when my daughter (who will be 52 tomorrow) was about five years old. (Yes, I sewed our matching dresses. Awww… how cute!)

Well, she doesn’t look like that anymore, so why should I? Here we are now:

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Still got that sparkle. Still love each other to the moon and back. Both still healthy and thanking God daily for our vitality and ability to travel and spend time with each other annually (DeAna lives in Switzerland).

So Why Argue?

When I was ten pounds lighter, my clothes looked better on me. I was able to bend down and tie my shoes without getting out of breath. (Yes, 10 extra pounds makes that kind of difference). I had lower blood pressure. I felt better about myself. So, it’s a goal worth persuing – and an accomplishment worth keeping. This yo-yo-ing is not good for me… 2 lbs down in two weeks and the one week later it’s back. (Why does it come back so much faster than it comes off?)

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Here I am with my granddaughter, Hope,
when I was on my way down – almost to my goal weight.

And my sis, Sally, and my hubby Bob with me at goal weight.

Keep the Tiny Spark Glowing!

The goal you are striving to accomplish may not be a big fiery flame for all to see, but a tiny spark that whispers to you. You know you can do it. The spark keeps whispering, “You can do this! Don’t give up!” Keep the spark alive.

Other people may not think it is important … whatever that personal goal is… but YOU DO! And so it is worth persuing. Stick with it!

Keep going! You got this!

I was TOPS biggest loser last week.
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I can do it again.
Keep those damn pounds off.
Forget about that pasta hole!!
Eat less carbs.

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Aging Gracefully, contentment, food, happiness, Life's Challenges, Love, mental health, self-acceptance

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You’re Responsible

You’re Responsible

Healing with Art is a Facebook page I follow. Often, like today, they post something so noteworthy that I cannot help but copy and share it. Here is my inspiration for today.

If I were still teaching, I would create a place in my classroom with a mirror and signs using this idea. And I would add “Contentment” under “Behavior.”

You're Responsible - Healing with Art-FB

Don’t you love it?
What word would you add to the list?

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See ya tomorrow!

Category:

children, Gratitude, happiness, learning, Love, self-acceptance, Sharing, truth

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