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Posts tagged ‘Jesus’

I CAN Keep it Simple

If you have followed my blog for a month or more,
you have seen this journal before.
The topics are inspired by life and living.
I have written about:
I CAN
Volunteer
Share
Bee Hospitable
Tackle Transitions
etc.

Little did I know when I wrote some of those how difficult some would become. Hospitality requires guests, right? Well, so much for that! Most of our friends are afraid in this pandemic world to socialize.

Little did I know how hard it would become to volunteer. Most of my volunteer activities are forbidden right now. I can’t be a “Purple Lady” at the medical center desk. Our auxiliary couldn’t hold its fund raiser this year. We couldn’t earn the money to donate for new equipment and/or medical supplies as we have done in the past.

Yes, that’s right… $31,700. donated .
And remember, we are a little town of about 1,000 residents!
We couldn’t have our usual Madison Valley
Medical Center Christmas party.

Little did I realize how many opportunities I would have to “Tackle Transitions.” Back in June of 2018 when I wrote on that topic, God knew what was coming, but none of us had a clue. My transitions poem was prophetic:

Times of transition
Can be disconcerting –
Facing the unknown
Running, dodging, skirting.

Life is full of changes;
Nothing stays the same.
Rolling with the punches –
Listening for our name.

In the “roll call” of life,
Showing up to be
Ready for transitions
Sometimes is difficult for me.

But I know the Leader
Is my Maker who decides
What my next assignment is.
In Him my life abides.

So, embrace the coming changes;
Set aside all fear and sorrow.
Joyfully put your hand in His;
He’s gotcha covered for tomorrow.

Choosing JOY in the midst of this pandemic is not easy.
My list of “I Can” do’s has changed this year.
But, I try to keep it positive:

I CAN
Believe
Only Imagine
ReJOYce
Whistle!

You recognize some of those. They became blogging themes.
This morning’s I CAN prompted today’s post:

I CAN
Keep it Simple

No large family gatherings
No stockings stuffed with toys
No sounds of giggling laughter
From excited girls and boys

No trudging through the snow
With accordion on my back
No carols at windows
Or St. Nicholas with his sack

It’s a different sort of year
COVID-19 has changed us quite a lot
We cancelled our travel plans
And we altered what we bought

Christmas Day will be different
We can mourn the things we miss
Or we can vow to keep it simple
Pray for those we cannot kiss

The virus and death took too many –
They’re in Heaven with our Lord
Let us focus on Christ Jesus
And the grace He richly poured.

Believe the Christmas promise
Jesus came to save our souls
Eternity knows no endings
His love comforts and consoles

Keep it Simple!

This nativity is over a hundred years old.
It belonged to my grandmother.
I treasure its simplicity.
My sister is one who went to her eternal home this year.
Sally would have been 83 on December 20th.
Eternity knows know endings.
I will see her again someday.
I Believe!
Thank You, Jesus!!

Have a Beautiful Christmas Week!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See you tomorrow.

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blogging, Christmas, Faith, Family, God, holidays, Jesus, Life and Death, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, Poetry, Promises, relationships

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Play Along!

Mary played along.
She didn’t complain.
Mary sang a song.
What a role model!

Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

Today’s sermon was titled,
“Responding to God’s Call.”
Luke 1:26-38 was the scripture passage.
Mary responded with such grace and faith.
Listen to Rev. Steve Hundley’s message
at today’s Madison Valley Presbyterian Church
-recorded through Jan’s poetic filters.

Responding to God’s Call

Luke described the coming
Of the Angel Gabriel to Mary.
Many artists have been inspired
To depict the scene; they’re varied.

Some created majestic scenes
With mountains and waterfalls,
But that wasn’t the vision recorded.
It’s a simple scene when God calls.

Gabriel doesn’t ask permission.
He simply tells her what will be,
The Bible says she was perplexed.
More in shock, it seems to me.

Whatever plans Mary may have had,
God comes and intervenes.
Like Mary, God has plans for us.
Listen to this story; hear what it means.

We can plan our lives carefully,
But often we’re face with interruptions.
Unexpected events order our future;
Often they keep us from corruption.

God’s plans always exceed ours.
But still, we have questions galore.
Unlike Mary, we ask for clarification.
We want to understand more.

It’s not every day an angel appears
And announces what’ll come next.
But often life chooses us
And leaves us totally perplexed.

In real life, we have choices.
We can say yes or shout NO!
We can become stoic and look away;
We can be stubborn and refuse to go.

When God throws us curve balls,
We might become angry and defensive.
We might throw our hands up
And become bitter; but that’s expensive.

It costs us our peace of mind.
It takes away unexpected joy.
If Mary had been so inclined,
It might have cost her that Baby Boy!

Let it be to me according
To your Word, O Lord, my Christ.
When You send Your instructions,
May I say “Yes!” without thinking twice.

Nothing is impossible with God.
Tune in!
And play along!!
Amen

Photo by Keenan Constance on Pexels.com

There may be an angel standing by your fire, sending out signals and you’re unaware.
There may be a message blowing in the wind, and you can’t hear it.
There may be an assignment God is giving you, and you don’t know it.
Tune in! Listen up! Play along!!

Jan with Great-grandson, Xander

Notes during the Pastoral Prayer today:

“God came into a troubled world.
Come again, Lord Jesus,
For we, too, are troubled.
We need You.

We are suffering.
Pain is taking its toll.
Come and bring power and healing
To those who are hurting.

Bring comfort to those
Who have lost loved ones.
Come again, Lord Jesus.
Bring deliverance.

We wait for You.”

Amen

Every heart is longing for our King
Whether they know it or not.
Let your light shine.
Sing!
Play along!!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
Have a blessed Sunday.
See you tomorrow.
HUGS!

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Christmas, Faith, Family, God, Jesus, learning, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, relationships, sermon notes, writing

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Swept Up in the Current

Today’s sermon by Rev. Steve Hundley
at Ennis, Montana’s Presbyterian Church
was titled, “Swept Up in the Current of God’s Love.”

In my typical fashion, I listened
and took notes in poetry to capture the message
as I was received it.

I like this image for today’s bulletin cover
because the message as I pondered it was:
“Listen for the angels’ announcement.
Listen with your heart, and
Be swept up into the
realms of JOY!”

Based on and reflections from
Luke 1:39-55

Mary rushed to tell Elizabeth
The anticipation of Jesus’ birth.
But Elizabeth already knew it…
Elizabeth knew it? How on earth??

Mary felt a song swell up
And bubble over inside her.
She sang acceptance and praises.
Elizabeth beamed beside her.

We don’t think of God exploding
Into our lives this season.
Our upside-down world seems to forget
The JOY, the Message, the Reason.

The story of Mary and Elizabeth
Reminds us of the glories of the event.
To make Christmas more meaningful,
We need to focus on the love sent.

Mary and Elizabeth didn’t make the joy.
They WERE the joy – growing in them.
God’s presence exhibited the miracle.
The peace and JOY of God began then.

We’re not the master of all this.
The grace and love are gifts.
We’re the grateful recipients.
With Jesus’ birth, the world shifts.

The angels announced the Savior.
The vulnerable baby was born.
His life changed our destiny.
No longer are we lost or forlorn.

Mary’s Magnificat is a message
To all of us to be steady –
Steady for Christ’s coming.
Listen with your heart – be ready!

Be prepared to be swept away
By the current of God’s love.
Be prepared for that Bethlehem baby
Who came to save us from above.

Thanks to Elaina for our Nativity gift
which arrived at our doorstep today!

Yes, the angels announced that heavenly Baby
Who came down from God to us.
Now we’re awaiting the angel
Who’ll announce an end to all this fuss.

No, Reverend Steve didn’t add that last stanza to his sermon…
but I just couldn’t help myself!
Don’t you love that COVID angel?
No?

Ah, come on… let’s add the need for
a freedom announcement.

Freedom from the pain of this pandemic.
Freedom from the need to wear masks,
socially distance,
stay at home,
and
isolate.

Can you read the mask’s label?
“Coughy filter”
Hah!
Get it??
Bob & I are wearing our masks
whenever we go out.
Are you?

Don’t let this Coronavirus get to you…

Don’t take to the bottle to try and drown the pain!!

Make wise decisions!

Keep your eyes and your ears tuned to the Holy Spirit
and be ready to be “swept up in the current of God’s love.”
Jesus’ birth is the reason for the season –
And the grace and hope He brings
will keep you swimming
in love and joy.
Believe!

JOY comes in the morning!
My friend, Lisa Glines,
sent me this sunrise picture this morning.

The following poem
came from Lisa
yesterday as I was waiting
for Bob’s angiogram results.

“Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come. Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

Jaime and Kathy played the piano and keyboard as Jim played the saw for some special music this morning.

I always imagine that saw being the only instrument some old cowboy had on hand in some distant days gone by… and learning to eerily try to play a tune on it must have been quite an interesting pastime!!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.

I hope you enjoyed these tidbits of my Sunday.
Bee safe!
See ya tomorrow.
Bee well!!

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, health, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, relationships, sermon notes, writing

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Only Imagine

In my journal yesterday, I created a six stanza Haiku. It’s where I’m comin’ from on this day when I delivered Bob (my sweet husband of 58 years) into the hands of a surgeon. It’s a relatively straight-forward procedure… an angiogram to determine any heart issues that were not detected with the x-rays and EKGs. Bob is in good hands… and I am here in the hotel room relaxing:

What is Heaven like?
I can only imagine.
I see glimpses here.

The help of a friend
The love of dear family
Colors of sunrise

The pureness of snow
Unconditional pet love
Hidden surprises

Gorgeous scenery
Flower pedals opening
Precious solitude

Whiskers of kittens
Soft and abundant kisses
Marvelous sunset

Magnificent Son
The warmth of welcoming arms
And eternal rest

The help of a friend
22 at Bob’s 80th in 2018
The love of family
Colors of sunrise
Pureness of snow
Unconditional pet love
Hdden surprises
Gorgeous scenery

Thank you to Curtis Wallace for his gift of photography.

Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

Such joy in flower petals opening – and sunflowers seeking the sun

Precious solitude… but not aloneness!
Whiskers of kittens
Our daughter DeDe, kissing her hubby, Andre’

Thank you, God, for soft and abundant kisses.

Our great-grandson, Xander, in Hope’s arms

Kisses know no age
Kisses reach into our hearts
Gratefully receive

Photo by Andreas Wohlfahrt on Pexels.com
Begin Eternity Now
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Magnificent Son
Thank you for your sacrifice
So freely given

The warmth of welcoming hugs
Sending tight, heartbeat hugs to Bob
as he undergoes his heart procedure
My daddy’s hugs were the tightest!!

… and eternal rest –
That’s where my daddy is now.
What is heaven like?

I can only imagine!

Hugging blankets works
When hugging arms aren’t available

Just got a call from the hospital.
Bob is out of surgery.
Heart looks good.
No blockages.
No stents needed.
Thank you, God,
for hearing and answering prayer.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
and praying with me!
You’re the best!
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Belief, blessings, children, Faith, Family, flowers, friendship, God, Gratitude, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, pets, photography, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Protected

I’m told Mother’s milk
Protects a baby at birth
And provides comfort

Photo by Cleyder Duque on Pexels.com

It’s a bit risque’
To post such a photograph
But it proves a point

Innocent Babies
Who nurse on their mother’s milk
Have immunity

Like that babe in arms
We, too, are safe – protected
In the arms of God

Job 11:18

“And you will have confidence,
because there is hope;
you will be protected
and take your rest
in safety.”

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com

Prayer of Protection

The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God watches over me
Wherever I am, God is.

My Sanctuary

I repeat that prayer
As I begin every day,
Standing in this spot.

I turn off the light
And let God’s light shine through me –
Reflecting His Love.

Everywhere I go,
I have faith that everything
Has His protection.

My view from my sanctuary

The Bible is full
Of protection promises
Here’s three hours worth!!!

No, I don’t expect you to sit here for three hours
and listen to all these scriptures, but they prove a point…
just as that nursing baby proves a point.
Protection is out there.
Protection is yours.
“Wherever I am, God is.”
Believe it! Own it!

God is my refuge… my Savior.
Jesus said, “Never will I leave you.
Never will I forsake you.”

I pray you feel His protection this day, too.

God bless you!

I hope you found comfort here.

The Lord is my Shepherd….
He refreshes my soul
and guides me along the right path.
Fear no evil…

See you tomorrow.
Hugs, JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, peace, Poetry, prayer, Promises, relationships, truth

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Bah Humbug!

It’s that time of year again. “Bah Humbug!” declared Mr. Scrooge.
Our sermon today started on that same note.
See my poetic notes below.

Rev. Steve Hundley
Madison Valley Presbyterian Church
Ennis, Montana
12-6-20

“Here We Go…”

“Well, here we go again,”
The woman spoke with regret.
The Christmas season has arrived –
We must prepare lest we forget.

Prepare for peace on earth –
Prepare for goodwill toward men.
But will we feel the peace?
Will there be good will again?

This year seems so very strange.
It’s hard to enter with trust
The coming of the Christ Child.
But trust and hope we must!!

God’s chosen people felt
The same worn-out feeling of despair.
They were caught in the wilderness,
Feeling God was no longer there.

In this time of pandemic,
We’re tired of this quarantine.
The pain and struggles continue.
What does all this mean?

Are we caving in to hopelessness?
Can’t we remember God is good?
We must live hearing His promise
And believe He’ll save us as He said He would.

If we have ears to hear
And we have eyes to see,
Know God’s message, “Here we go anew,”
Is meant for you and me.

God has the power to get us out
Of this situation we’re in.
Believe! Have faith in God.
Carry His hope. Carry His light within.

Share that light with others.
Walk in His way and then you’ll know
The peace and trust Jesus brings.
“Here we go anew!” Let it glow.

Advent is about preparing room
For something new at our place.
So stay alert and wait with faith.
God is coming in Christ – Clear a space!

Amen

Our friend, Jim Forsberg, sang this beautiful song
today in church, accompanied by his guitar
(sung here by the marvelous Susan Boyle).
The words are so beautiful.
Be sure to click on that link and enjoy.

Prayer of Confession:
“Merciful God, always with us, always coming: We confess that we do not know how to prepare for Your Advent. We have forgotten how to hope in miracles; we have been distracted by the challenges of the past nine months. Forgive us, O God. Grant to us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph that we may rediscover the good news of the child born for us. Amen”

Merry Christmas, my friends.
Happy Advent.
No “Bah Humbug” here!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
I pray your Sunday was a lovely one.

Thanks for all your love-filled comments on the
“Dogs in Heaven?” post yesterday.
My friend, Fran appreciates all your prayers.

May your week be blessed indeed.
Bee well!!

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Christmas, Faith, friendship, God, holidays, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, sermon notes, writing

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One Day at a Time

I love this song sung by Dolly Parton.
Do take time to click on the arrow
And listen to her beautiful rendition
Of this “One Day at a Time” – and sing along!

Yesterday’s Gone, Sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be nigh
Lord help me today
Show me the way
One day at a time.

Photo by Team Maestroo on Pexels.com

It doesn’t add a single second to our lives
To worry about what might have been mine
Or to fret about what tomorrow may bring
Teach me to look up and take one day at a time

Photo by Team Maestroo on Pexels.com

Let Your Light shine on me, Lord
Show me how to be what You made me to be
Guide my feet and my thoughts in Your Light
Show me how to live in the NOW and be free

Free from the worry that doubting brings
Free to dance and to plan and to find joy
In the blessings You send every day
Free to ignore and toss aside the things that annoy

Life’s full of trials, confusion and lies
It’s hard to discern what is Truth and is right
Guide me today to do as You say
And to pray for life’s wisdom. May I sleep well tonight!

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Sleep well tonight, my friends.
Take one day at a time!
See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, Faith, Gratitude, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, truth

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Me, Worry?

Matthew 6:31-34

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’
or ‘What shall we drink?‘
or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things,
and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In today’s Mornings with Jesus devotional
from Guideposts,
Isabella Yosuico wrote,
“I seek Jesus’ direction…
I am struggling to keep an open mind
and follow where He leads…”

Isabella went on to say that having faith means
“… prayerfully doing what I can today
and recognizing what I cannot do.”

Photo by Ric Rodrigues on Pexels.com

Isabella encouraged her readers to
“… stay in the present day,
entrusting uncertainties to Christ.”

Photo by Rodolfo Clix on Pexels.com

There is such comfort
in the knowledge
that Jesus Christ
prays with me.

He is my Confidante.
He is my Rock.
He is my Guide.
I have no reason to worry.

Me, Worry?
No way!!

It is easy to obsess
Over the condition of this earth,
But God is in control,
And He knows the planet’s worth.

He holds it in His palm
And knows its every leaf.
In the eyes of our Lord,
This pandemic’s really brief!

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

All the world
Is holding its breath –
Some behind masks,
Some behind fear,
Some behind doors,
Afraid to come near.
Breathe in Peace.
Experience a patch
Of stillness,
Kindness, and
Presence.
Each waking day.
Carry it with you.

“… do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Bye for now!
See ya tomorrow.

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, contentment, God, Gratitude, health, Jesus, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer

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I Can Be Still

Ps. 46:10

“Be still
and know
that I am God.”

I can be still.
I can quietly sit
Before the Lord.
No need to flit.

I used to flit
And flutter everywhere.
I needed to be busy.
I had so much to share.

But this pandemic
Has clipped my busy wings.
I’ve learned to sit
And focus on spiritual things.

I can be still.
I can happily stay
Right here in my sanctuary.
I’ll flit some other day.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
See ya tomorrow.

And what are YOU doing today?

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, God, Gratitude, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, writing

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I Rock!

I climb the stairs each day,
Then I turn on the light.
Sometimes it’s still dark out.
I rock ’til it gets bright.

Sipping my cup o’ coffee,
Rocking as I pray,
I meditate and read His Word
As I welcome each new day.

I can rock away troubles;
I can sit here and be still.
I can listen to the Spirit,
And discern the Father’s Will.

I can rock in my wicker chair
Until my head and heart are clear.
I can feel the Lord’s presence
And thank God He’s ever near.

And when my rocking’s over
I thank Jesus for his time,
And slowly I descend the stairs
(It’s my 12-step program climb).

Climb down to face the world.
Climb down to start my day.
Use the Fruits of the Spirit
In a thoughtful kind of way:

  1. Thank You for the LOVE,
  2. the JOY
  3. and the PEACE that are mine.
  4. Help me, Lord, with PATIENCE,
  5. KINDNESS
  6. GOODNESS
  7. and FAITHFULNESS (which brings blessings)
Can you read the word above the door?
It says, “Blessings.”

8. Help me with GENTLENESS,
9. and SELF-CONTROL.


10. Help me live HUMBLY with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
11. and a response of GENEROSITY, FORGIVENESS,
12. OBEDIENCE and INTEGRITY.

IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!
And now I am at the bottom of the stairs where these words greet me across from the front door – “The Greatest of These is Love” – and these angels smile at me on the wall beneath the stairs:

A gift from Norbert and Elke Schaller.
I say a prayer each day for them, too –
They and their daughters, Simone & Caroline.

I rock! And my day will rock, too
Because I have taken time to pray.
I rock! And you will rock, too
Because I pray for you, too, each day.

This is page one of my prayer list.

On the back side of this page
Is a list of each WordPress friend.
I ask the Lord to guard you.
Rock on! Accept the love I send.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
Have a love-filled day!
See ya tomorrow.

Meantime, enjoy this song that was a hit in 1955
(I was a sophomore in high school…
great memories of rockin’ school dances!!)

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, friendship, God, Gratitude, Jesus, life, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, relationships, Spiritual Gifts, truth

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