There is more than one way to interpret the word “wait.” The photo above shows you a waitress who is “waiting” on a table.
Some waiting is defined by an expectation of something or someone to come… like a good friend.
Other waiting is short-term, self-imposed, self-defined… …. like waiting for your food to digest before that next meal or dessert after a huge Thanksgiving dinner!
Today is the first day of Advent. As a Christian, that means we have 40 days of waiting.
The season of Advent lasts through Christmas Eve. When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last or fourth Sunday of Advent. In Eastern Orthodox churches, which use the Julian calendar, Advent begins earlier, on November 15, and lasts 40 days, rather than 4 weeks.
40 days of waiting for the coming of the Christ Child … waiting for Christmas.
The word “Advent” stems from the Latin word adventus, which literally means “coming” or “arrival.” Our sermon at my church this morning dealt with this topic of waiting… waiting for that special arrival.
Pastor Mary Grace Reynolds spoke about a children’s book (I think it was a Dr. Seuss) that depicted a “waiting place” as a “useless place” but she encouraged us to view waiting differently.
She asked us what we do when we are waiting. Some people find something to read. Others play on their phones or engage in conversation with a friend. Some write letters or cards or they reach out to help a neighbor. Spend the waiting time productively.
I wrote this conclusion as I listened:
There is a lot we can do while we wait. Think about the good things we can do. Gracious God, help us make waiting useful. Let’s fill it with good things for me and You.
We can live during this time of waiting With love and hope in our heart. We have control over our actions. We can spread peace – today’s the day to start.
Ready? Begin!
Psalms 27:13-14 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. Have a wonderful season of Advent.
Love and hugs to you!
Make your waiting a time of love and compassion! Reach out today!
On January 11, 2020 I posted this blog. I decided on this Mid-term Election Day, 2022, it’s a good time to revisit the idea of positivity. Here is what I wrote then:
“Today Bob & I had the privilege of the company of two very happy, warm, genuine people. Friends like these are part of life’s treasures. We are so grateful for them.
This photo of Terry and me was taken a year ago at their place.
Bob with Jim a year ago
Last year we shared time with these friends at their place. This year they are sharing time with us here in Rancho Mirage.
When you have friends who are happy and positive, it is easy to remain cheerful – even when crazy, bizarre things are happening in the world around you.
The story in today’s Daily Guideposts reminded me, It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.
Just a simple “Thank you,” or “Please,” Just a moment to reach out and lend a hand, Can change someone’s entire day. And it may impact those observing the kindness, too.
So, just be kind!
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”
Matthew 7:12 ESV
In her story in Guideposts today, Erika Bentsen recounted how (back when she was only 17) she was waiting on a bus in Scotland for the departure time. The bus driver was busy telling stories to the attentive passengers. Suddenly the bus driver dashed from his seat to help a woman across the road who had dropped a package. Then he returned to his seat and continued his story telling.
When her aunt interrupted him and said, “That was awfully nice of you,” he shrugged it off saying, “It costs nothin’ to be kind.”
Years later, that conversation stuck with Erika. Her prayer at the bottom of the page reads,
“Dear Lord, shower me with opportunities to share kindness until it becomes as natural as breathing.”
Like Erika, I want kindness to be as natural as breathing. I know it is an attribute worth cultivating. I pray every morning on my way down the stairs from my sanctuary. I thank God for the
love
joy, and
peace that are mine, and I ask God to help me with
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness (which brings blessings)
gentleness, and
self-control. I ask God to
help me live humbly with an attitude of gratitude, and a response of
generosity and
forgiveness,
obedience and
integrity.
Ask God to help you develop a habit of kindness so it is a natural as breathing to you. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone did that?
Kindness needs to be cultivated!
Who was the last person who was particularly kind to you? What did he or she do? I bet you remembered to say thank you!
Now, pass it on!!
I bet you do that everyday!!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. See you again tomorrow. Be well!!
There are several meanings. One is the unmerited gift from God – referenced above.
Another is:
“disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency” …
Each of us has the capacity to act with grace.
When we respond to others with kindness, we are passing along the grace we are given.
Where do we find grace?
Grace is a gift from God
Grace is inside you
Grace is all around you
Grace multiplies when you give it
You have grace in abundance to give. When you reach out in love you are giving grace upon grace.
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
One of the definitions of grace involved the word “clemency.”
It is the willingness or ability to moderate the severity of a punishment or an act or instance of mercy, compassion, or forgiveness.
We all know that a life lived well is a life lived with compassion, a life filled with forgiveness of others as well as of ourselves.
We all need to practice clemency!
Find grace in your heart. Let forgiveness and compassion be your first response! When we are merciful, we receive mercy in return.
Today’s post was inspired by today’s devotional in Mornings with Jesus. Gwen Faulkenberry wrote a creative take on Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
She imagined a beggar approaching a palace, being turned away by the butler, but welcomed with open arms by the prince who brings the starving man to the queen. When she sees him approaching, she jumps from her throne, runs to him, and says, “Come in! Come in! How can I help you today?”
Gwen invites us in the “Faith Step” at the bottom of the page to imagine ourselves as the man and imagine the queen as God. What would you ask if you weren’t afraid?
God of grace gives us all the grace we need… and continues to gift us with the compassion, kindness, and courtesy we need in order to pass it on to others freely.
Knowing you have received grace upon grace, approaching the throne of God, what would you ask Him for?
I asked for healing of this broken finger, (it was in there under all that wrapping), renewed strength in this left hand, renewed balance so I could stop falling, and a healing of my head’s 8 stitches before we head for our daughter’s in Switzerland later this month. God is answering my prayers… in His perfect timing (as always).
What will you ask for? See ya tomorrow (God willing) Love to you, from JanBeek
Staying young while growing older begins with a mind-set.
Peace and partying Satisfaction and smiles in all circumstances at all ages
Notice I did not say, “Growing OLD.” Growing OLDER is not the same as growing old. I’m not OLD; at 82, I am simply in my advanced years – growing in wisdom and grace – with God’s blessings!
In the Natural Living newsletter, Dr. Z and Mama Z write the following:
“God will carry us through, even into our advanced years. Our Creator has had a plan for us since before we were born. He had our days numbered since the beginning of time and it is up to us to make wise decisions to help our bodies live a more vibrant and full life and to impart our wisdom to those placed in our lives.”
“Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.”
I DO think about things differently… especially THINGS. Yes, I have my “treasures,” – those things I am reluctant to part with – but as time goes by, I realize the wisdom of knowing “I can’t take it with me.” And God don’t allow no U-Hauls in Heaven!!
Skip that store on your way outta town!
In my daily devotions today, Charles Stanley wrote in his In Touch entry, “Our culture is obsessed with youth… But… Unless death intervenes, growing old is inevitable.”
See that’s where I differ with him. But it is only a matter of semantics, I’m sure. He must have meant “growing older.” Because he went on to say, “We can be young in soul and spirit, regardless of our chronological age.”
Magnificence comes with age… Yes, the root word is “magnify” and that’s what age does for us. It magnifies our failures (if we let it) – It magnifies our faults (if we let it) – It requires magnification to see clearly!
The question we need to ask ourselves is, “What am I magnifying as I age?”
Charles Stanley’s devotional today reminded us, “Never stop listening to the Father and learning from His Word. Allow godly thinking to shape your attitude. Be thankful, never stop laughing, and rejoice in the Lord. Above all, keep believing and loving Him with all your heart.”
Making the most of the dash means we have to stop dashing! We’re not created to be honeybees, dashing from one bit of pollen to another!
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is obtained by following a righteous path.” ~ Proverbs 16:31
We are created in the image of God, designed to glorify Him each day by following the righteous path… stopping along the way and taking time to pour out the honey of forgiveness, dish out the power of experience, and spray the gladness of grace on all we meet.
Ps. 119:103
The way Eugene Peterson paraphrased that verse in his study Bible, The Message, is this:
“Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking.”
So, let’s return to the original premise here: “Staying young while growing older begins with a mind-set.”
Recognize those two? A younger Bob & Jan?
60 years later… Still young at heart!
What is your mind-set today?
Are you young at heart? Are you pouring out the honey of forgiveness? Are you dishing out the power of experience? Are you spraying the gladness of grace?
Here’s a spray bottle to help you out!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. 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 […]
“Being confident of this, I take great comfort knowing He who began a good work in me will carry it out to completion…”
Philippians 1:6
Aren’t those comforting words?
God is doing a good work in me, this I know. But that doesn’t mean I am going to be without troubles. Hurt and pain are guaranteed in this world. Through scripture, we can be comforted by knowing that God is faithful, and is always looking over us.
Our Heavenly Father truly cares and is our protector and comforter in times of need. Whatever the circumstance may be, we can use comforting Bible verses to find a peace that passes understanding.
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Are you facing a difficult circumstance? Something over which you have little if any control? Maybe it is job related. Maybe it is health related. You might be in a state of transition. Perhaps there are relational issues …
Whatever it is, know this: Loved ones who walked before you faced some of those same challenges. They walk with you today… And they intercede for you.
I believe that. I feel my mom and my sis, and I hear the Holy Spirit. I am not alone.
You Never Walk Alone!
This rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” always inspires me and comforts me. If Andrea, who is blind, can face his daily challenges and reassure us of life’s constant Companion with such sincerity and conviction, who am I to doubt the Comforter?
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
Maybe you, like my friends Scott & Cheryl, have recently lost a loved one – a parent, a sibling, a dear friend, a pet… If so, I pray you will feel the comfort of our Lord and His promises of Eternal Life. Be at peace.
3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Embrace Comfort” And be the first to offer it to friends in need.
Every day we all need encouragement and words of comfort!
May you feel the loving arms of our God of peace and comfort embracing you – And may you pass along those comforting hugs to all you meet who need your love and kindness.
Do you have big-hearted folks in your life? How do you recognize them?
This morning my husband, Bob, was driving to the nearest gas station on a new mower for the church that was donated by a big-hearted anonymous donor when the mower stopped. It didn’t have enough gas in it to get the two and a half blocks to the gas station.
He was stalled in front of the house of a lady we have known casually (she used to work at a furniture store in town). We didn’t know where he lived, but Bob recognized her when she came out and asked, “Can I help you?”
A few minutes later she returned from her garage with a gallon of gas for Bob to put in the mower so he could get to the station and fill up.
Yesterday our son, Ty, learned that a family of eight from his church had to be evacuated from their home. The Caldor fire is the one in El Dorado County, CA where we were concerned that Ty & Monika might have to evacuate, but their home seems to be below the fire line sufficiently for them to be “out of danger.” (We pray!)
Ty and Monika are such big-hearted people that they offered their home to the family while our son and daughter-in-law moved temporarily into their RV.
Now our concern is for our granddaughter, Faith. She and her husband are in South Lake Tahoe – and the fire seems to be headed for their neighborhood.
Our choir director/pianist for or church fell from the top of her steps leading into her garage a few weeks ago. She dislocated her shoulder and tore a bunch of ligaments – needing surgery. She lives about 40 miles from here – 40 miles from the nearest medical and physical therapy center.
Our big-hearted friends here in Ennis opened their home to her and her pup. They drove her the 50 miles from here to the surgery center – and back/forth to the major hospital over a couple weeks. Big-hearted people like them keep showing up in our lives. How about your life?
Today Bob was using the new mower to cut the grass at the church. We have ordered a mulching kit for it, but it is not here yet, so the grass was piled up on the sides of the mow strips as he cut the overgrown lawn.
Big-hearted friends who are members of our church offered to go and help rake and bag the lawn trimmings and take them to the dump.
How kind!!
It is that heart full of love that is big-hearted!
Reminds me of the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. If you will recall, when he reached out to the people in Whoville to help them, “His heart grew ___ sizes that day!”
Do you remember how many sizes?
That’s the key to being big-hearted… Reaching out to help others without expecting anything in return.
Whether it is with a gallon of gas or loaning your shelter to friends in need or taking a friend to their doctor appointment or providing food for a family who’s hurting or bagging lawn clippings, there are countless ways we can use our big-hearted generosity to make the world a better place.
Join me as we extend our heart to those around us…
and pray for those in need of food, shelter, friendship, health, safety, etc.
My friend, Lee, sent me a You.Tube video today. He said it was “worth your time and thoughts.” I agree!. It was narrated by a guy with a wonderful British accent. I bet it was created several years ago. The words in blue below are his. The red is my editorial comment about that item!
Whether you wear a $300. or a $3. watch, they both tell the same thing.
But the whole deal is, this watch does so much more than tell time! And it costs way more than $300. . Price tag = $539.98
Whether you carry a $300. or a $30. handbag, the amount of money inside is still the same.
This one actually is a $2,350. Guggi If you buy it, you’ll certainly have less money to put inside! Don’t you have better things to do with your money??
Whether we drive a $150,000. car or a $30,000. car, the road and distance are the same… and we get to the same destination.
But, the Ferrari is so much more fun! And you can certainly go faster! (If you survive at those speeds, that is)
Whether you drink a bottle of $300. or a $10. bottle of wine, the hangover is the same.
But Wine Spectator Magazine says, “It’s not as if wines that cost $10. or less are going to make you feel bad, or that wines that cost over $50 are never going to give you a hangover… How much wine you consume is the biggest variable…” So, in both cases, it’s the whole bottle? Not a good idea regardless of the price!
Whether the house you live in is 300 sq. ft. or a huge mansion with 30,000 sq. ft., loneliness is the same.
Yes, you can be lonely in a shack or you can be lonely in a castle. The size of the house has little to do with it. But, remember loneliness and alone are two different animals. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. And just because you have a kajillion people around you doesn’t mean you feel loved. It has nothing to do with the size of your house… it’s the size of your heart!
Whether you fly first or economy class, if the plane goes down – you go with it.
True! But aren’t some seats safer than others? An article in the Huffington Post – when asked about the safest place to sit to a plane – wrote this, “Each incident or crash is unique. Impact could come from a nosedive, a water landing, or a runway collision. As a result there is no safest seat.”The good news in that article, though, is “Air travel is the safest form of transportation in the country.” Bon Voyage!! . .
In that same video sent to me this morning by my friend, Lee, this interesting addition was included:
Bob’s brother-in-law, Stan, died At noon today, Oregon time. Our hearts are heavy, of course, But we hear heaven’s bells chime.
The Lord is blessed to receive His creation back into His arms. Our arms ache for one more hug, One more poem with all his charms.
We’re not the only ones who’ve lost A loved one to death this year. This pandemic has taken too many And this virus is not over, we fear.
As Stan was lying in his hospital bed, Health care workers included his daughter, a nurse. So many of our faithful ones have stepped up to help Or else this COVID-19 would have been much worse.
The kindness shown by the hospital staff Helped the family cope with their loss. The kindness we all show every day Is a way we live what we learn at the cross.
Stan’s death was not the result of the virus, But his departure carries with it the sting Of a beautiful life ended on earth. Can we focus now on how the angels sing?
Showing kindness to the folks we meet Is a way to acknowledge their pain. We know everyone has a burden to bear; And many don’t have the words to explain.
My neighbor has a treasured pet who is sick, My friend lost her brother yesterday. My husband’s fisher buddy needs surgery, And my granddaughter has bills she can’t pay.
The man with the gun was bullied in his youth, And he took out his hate in a store. The victims’ families are beside themselves. We all are wondering how we can take any more.
Embrace kindness as a first line of defense. Embrace kindness as the action you choose. Embrace kindness, for you know in your heart It’s the way to show love and help hate defuse.
Bible Verses about ‘Kindness’
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.— 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.— Colossians 3:12
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.— Galatians 5:22-23
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.— Ephesians 4:32
EMBRACE KINDNESS TODAY (and every day!)
Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (Lord willing)
JanBeek 