Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘kindness’

A Valentine Message

I first posted this message 4 years ago, but it is timeless – – – and it is worth reposting as February 14th is tomorrow and we all are thinking seriously about the topic of LOVE, right?

What is TRUE love? And how do we exhibit it? How do we receive it? What is its origin? Poets have written of love for centuries. None resonates more perfectly to me than the words of love in the Bible, like Romans 12.

“Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

…. Romans 12:9-13

No better Valentine’s message of love ever has been written. To add to it, go to your Bible and read the next few verses, Romans 12:14-16 … and get caught up in the wonderful message of Jesus’ love!

Of course, the scripture that often is read at weddings is also one that must not be forgotten:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
New International Version

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

My blogging friend, Sue Dreamwalker, wrote today, “So, keep love in your hearts for each other and all living creatures.  And remember to love yourself…”
This was popular in the 50’s when I was growing up. It is one of my all-time favorites!

Love is more than just a game or two.
Two in love can make it…
Take my heart and please don’t break it!

Have a wonderful, love-filled Valentine’s Day!

Hugs to you and your loved ones,
JanBeek (& Bob, too)

Category:

Bible Lessons, Giving, Jesus, Living in Harmony, Love, Serving One Another

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Kindness

The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break anywhere in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.

.
.
.
Kindness
Lovingly given
Gratefully received
Reap what you sow

We rise
Lifting others
Carry
.
.
.

What picture did those words create for you?




Here
is
the
picture
that
came
to
my
mind.



:o)

And this is the scripture that came to mind:

Luke 6:25
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”

Jesus is my inspiration.
God’s Word is my go-to for direction.
It inspires me to be kind,
not just to my family, friends, and loved ones,
but also to those who annoy me…
maybe most to them!

Thank you, David, from skepticskaddish.com,
for introducing me to this new (to me) poetry form.
It was fun to give The Septolet  a try.

Hey, WP Friends,
why don’t you try it, too?
I’d love to see your word picture.

Tim McGraw sings the message in a most beautiful song.
This is new to me, too.
Have you heard it before?
The images that accompany it
are so inspiring.
You’ll be glad if you
take time to see and listen!

Hugs to you…
Have a Wonderful Weekend.
Always be Humble and Kind!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, children, Faith, friendship, happiness, Jesus, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, relationships, respect, Serving One Another, Spiritual Gifts, writing

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Waiting

Photo by Gary Barnes on Pexels.com

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!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

What are you waiting for?

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.

Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

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!

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, Giving, God, Gratitude, holidays, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, prayer, relationships, Serving One Another

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Reblog #7 – Stay Positive

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.

Photo by Gratisography on Pexels.com

My Haiku on this topic:

Never give up hope.
Find happy, warm, genuine
and sincere people.

Keep your eyes open
And your mind constantly keen.
Joy and kindness reign!

Let joy come to you
In the form of caring friends.
Let them fill your heart!

Today I will be quiet on WordPress.
It is my day to be present with my friends who are visiting..
I hope you have a beautiful …day.

I pray that you have happy,
warm, genuine friends
to share your day with you.
God bless you!

See you tomorrow.

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Family, friendship, Haiku, Living in Harmony, Love, Poetry, prayer

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Just Be Kind

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!!

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, Gratitude, kindness, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, prayer, relationships, respect, Serving One Another

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Finding Grace

What is grace?

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?

  1. Grace is a gift from God
  2. Grace is inside you
  3. Grace is all around you
  4. 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.”

(NKJV)

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

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, health, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, prayer, relationships

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Staying Young

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.”

~ Job 32:7

Photo by Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels.com

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!

Photo by Wallace Chuck on Pexels.com

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.”

Photo by mentatdgt on Pexels.com

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)

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Gratitude, happiness, humor, kindness, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, optimism, self-acceptance, self-esteem, Serving One Another

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Embrace Kind Thoughts

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 […]

Unkind Thoughts — Source of Inspiration

What color are your thoughts?

I pray you will blow any dark colored clouds away
but keep the rainbow of harmony!

Photo by Jakob on Pexels.com
Photo by 42 North on Pexels.com

Sending you my love.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, Gratitude, kindness, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, respect, Serving One Another, writing

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Embrace Comfort

“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.

See you tomorrow (God willing)

Love,
JanBeek


Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, peace, Promises, relationships, Serving One Another

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Embrace Big-Hearted Folks!

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.

Photo by Designecologist on Pexels.com

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.

PRAY!!

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.com

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.

We can’t do everything,
but we can do SOMEthing.

What will you do today?


Category:

blessings, Faith, friendship, Giving, Gratitude, happiness, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, relationships, Serving One Another

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