Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘making a difference’

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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Point of Light

You can be a point of light.
You can make the difference
in someone else’s life.

Shine light into someone’s darkness.
Be the “Someone” who helps another cross the street.
Be the first person who really SEES someone!

Twenty-twenty – the year of 20/20 Vision

My New Year’s Resolution for 2020 was to “Walk the Talk.”
Little did I know on January 1, 2020
how many opportunities
I would have
to do just that!

You, too, have the chance every day to be the Point of Light for someone.
You have the chance to be what God made you to be, “A Point of Light.”
Someone is just waiting and listening…
knowing you’ll be there.

Be the Point of Light!

Walk the Talk, my friends.
Bee Well… Bee Real.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Pexels.com


See ya tomorrow.
Hugs,
JanBeek


Category:

friendship, God, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, relationships, Serving One Another

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Do For Others

Living under clouds

Of fear and trepidation

Renders us helpless

What will you do to

make life more beautiful for

someone else today?

Category:

blessings, friendship, Giving, Haiku, Living in Harmony, Love, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Where is Happiness?

www.facebook.com/powerofpositivity/videos/10155341876067371/

😃♥️

I hope the link above will take you to this very inspiring post. In the face of a world-wide pandemic, our lives seem at peril. Our world is changing. So many events are being cancelled. We’re told not to shake hands and to keep our distance from others. We’re worried about whether we might be carrying and spreading the Coronavirus. The National Basketball Association just cancelled future games until further notice. Tom Hanks & his wife are filming in Australia and they just found out they have the virus.

We can live in faith or fear. The choice is ours. Be prudent. But, be positive, too. Choose happiness – and make that contagious! Go up and click on that link. It’s just what I needed to see/hear tonight.

God bless you.

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Life and Death, Love, mental health, relationships, Serving One Another

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Stop Worrying

From soblesseddaily.com

God is saying to you today:

My child, you are worrying too much. remember who I am there is nothing too hard for me. You may not see it, but I have everything planned out for you.

Verse of the Day:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6

Each morning I begin my day sitting in this old rocking chair that Bob’s great-grandpa built. It’s up in the corner of my favorite room in the house – my sanctuary.

Sometimes I call it my “Angel Room.”

You can see Mornings with Jesus, my #1 devotional, on the chair in front of my “All Things Grow with Love” pillow. The picture above the photo of room is today’s page. My bookmark reminds me daily of my 2020 resolution: “Walk the Talk.”

Prov. 3:5-6 is the verse on that card. It’s one of my favorite scriptures. With it tucked firmly under my belt and in my heart each morning, I read the daily devo and write in large, fat letters the 2 to 6 words that are my “take away” for the day. You can see “SIMPLY TRUST HIM” is today’s message.

Daily Plan

At the top of my devo page I write my plan for the day … the part of it that God directs to my angelic perch from His heavenly Holy Spirit’s leading. It helps me to “Walk the Talk” when I put my trust in what He has “up His sleeve.”

What are your plans for this beautiful Sunday? I hope you take time to pray. The Faith Step that’s partly covered by my bookmark in the devo picture says, “Recall the times when Jesus answered your prayers in ways you didn’t expect. If you’re praying for something right now, don’t keep Him in a box. Expect Him to answer beyond your expectations.”

Step Out

Go ahead. Listen for His leading. Step out confidently today with plans God sets before you.

John 11:40

Jesus responded, “ Didn’t I tell you that you would seeGod’s glory if you believe?”

My view from my rocking chair

Our Prayer

Pray with me, “Thank You, Jesus, for praying with us and for us. Thank You for Your presence in our lives. Now, as we walk the talk, guide our feet where You want us to go today. Help us meet who You want us to meet. Whisper what You want us to say. Help us be who we were made to be. Show us what You want us to do as we walk in Your will. Amen”

Have a Super Sunday!
See ya later.

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Jesus, Living in Harmony, Love, peace, prayer, relationships, Serving One Another

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Make a Difference

We ALL want to make a positive difference in this world – right?

One way to make a difference
is simply to be kind and helpful!
But there is no “simply” about that.

It takes a concerted effort sometimes
to respond with kindness.
Our natural, almost automatic, first response
when someone is being mean or unkind to us
is to snap back…
at least that’s the way it used to be with me.

It has taken me 80 years of living to learn to guard my tongue!
And sometimes, even now it gets the best of me.
But I usually am quick to realize it when that happens,
and I am never reluctant to ask for forgiveness.

The problem is sometimes
I am too self-centered to even realize
I have hurt someone with my words!!
That never happen to you, does it?

I guess I’m not perfect yet.

Are you?

Photo by Ikowh Babayev on Pexels.com

Another way to make a difference is simply to plant love.
But there is no “simply” about that either.

Sometimes the seeds
of adversity and division
get the best of me.

I watch something on TV
or I read something in a magazine or newspaper
that is hateful or just plain false and deceptive.
And I let that simmer in my soul.
I want to lash out at the TV person
or rip up the newspaper.

But surely that never happens to you!

Just Love One Another

Photo by ATC Comm Photo on Pexels.com

Love Everyone!

It’s easy to say, but ever so hard to do!
But if we want to make a positive difference in this world,
it has to be all about
LOVE
first and foremost!

Be Forgiving of Yourself


Even when we try hard,
we may not always be
the loving person
God intended us to be.

But we can make a difference
if we learn to forgive ourselves
for those
mistakes of character.
Others see and are encouraged
by our ability to overcome!

Be Forgiving of Others

Another way to make a difference in this world
is simply to be forgiving of others.
But there is no “simply about that either.

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Sometimes I want to use a “mad” icon.
“Sad” just doesn’t do it.
It’s not enough.

I want to show the world
that what was said or done just makes me angry.

But anger never solved any of this world’s problems.
It only exacerbates them, ya know?

Forgive the ones who anger you,
Pray for your understanding of their position.
Try to figure out where they’re coming from.
Forgive their ignorance (hah!)!

Disagree without being disagreeable!

Be a PeaceMaker

And yet another way
to make a positive difference in this world
is to be a PEACEMAKER!

  • Pray daily for the wisdom,
  • love,
  • patience,
  • kindness,
  • goodness,
  • faithfulness,
  • gentleness,
  • self-control,
  • humility,
  • generosity,
  • forgiveness,
  • obedience to God,
  • and the humility

that it takes to be a peacemaker,
and to make a positive difference in this world.

It’s not a task for the Lone Ranger,
the Lone Stranger,
or the Lone YOU!
It takes the LOVE of the
HOLY SPIRIT
working in you.

Know that God is your heart…
so
Pay attention to His Leading!

He will always lead you to
Love,
Peace,
and
Making a Positive Difference!

PLANT LOVE!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek.

I’m headed off to TOPS.
(Those are my friends who help me keep the weight off.
They make a difference in my life!)

See ya tomorrow.


Category:

Bible Lessons, friendship, Giving, learning, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, self-acceptance, Sharing, truth

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Radical Interdependence

Are there any absolutes left? Or is everything in the world relative? Is there such a thing as right and wrong?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In her blog today, Barbara Franken

Barbara Franken

Barbara Franken, Me, My Magnificent Self

wrote,

“As the weeks, months and years roll quickly by, we observe how the world around us widens the separation of people, organisations, countries, opinions, beliefs… all warring against each other. Extreme opposites and deep conflict is being forged. Yes – No, Light – Dark, Good – Bad, Right – Wrong, This – That, Mine – Yours… each side adamant they are correct!

So who is correct, which side do we choose, which way do we go?“

Photo by Jens Johnsson on Pexels.com

Barbara Franken went on to say,

“Choosing for oneself means choosing love.

Love has no sides, no conflict and honours all.”

It’s interesting that I was reading her blog right after relishing the words of Wm. Coffin and Joanna Macy in Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat’s book, Spiritual Literacy. They quoted Coffin and Macy who wrote:

Yes, we ARE radically interdependent. The actions of each of us has an effect on the rest of us. And there ARE absolutes. There IS right and wrong. And when we see things headed the wrong way:

  • hate vs. love
  • dark vs. light
  • bad vs. good
  • wrong vs. right
  • destruction vs. enhancement
  • falsehood vs. Truth
  • broken vs. working/productive
  • criminal vs. just
  • immoral vs. ethical/principled

… then we know it is time to step up to the plate and do what we can. Do you think, “The problems are too big; who am I to make a difference?”

If so, just look at Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teenager who is leading global protests demanding action on climate change.

Greta was quoted as saying,

“We will do everything in our power to stop this crisis from getting worse…”

God bless her! Today’s Bozeman Chronicle carried this article about her:

What issue are you passionate about?

How can your voice make a difference?

What can you do? Think about it.

Know that we are indeed

“One World… Radically Interdependent”

… and each of us CAN make a difference.




Will I?
Will you?

See ya later!

Category:

blessings, blogging, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, nature, peace, respect, Serving One Another, truth

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What’s Your Next Step?

image

It’s easy to get caught up

In the  ABBAABBA  CDECDE

Rhyme Scheme and Rhythm

Of the Italian (Petrarchan) Sonnet

That I have written below.

 

Petrarchan is fun!

white high raise building

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

I chose the Italian Sonnet as an exercise today

Because I do love Italy!

My maiden name is DeAngeles, afterall …

“Of Angels” – always seeking higher ground!

I remember a “step to higher ground”

My husband and I took a few years ago:

To this beautiful city of Venice …

A step out of reality

Into a dream world

Where only the blessed tourists and

The residents struggling to make

A livelihood seemed to venture out.

Here’s my step into the higher ground of poetry,

Trying my hand at a Petrarchan:

 


What’s Your Next Step?

A text from a friend of more than fifty years:

“What’s your next step?” she wrote to ask.

I’m retired, I thought, find sunshine in which to bask.

But, though she’s my age, I sensed some tears,

And figured she’d missed some steps in her latter years.

I wondered if she had some sort of task,

A favor perhaps, but her question was a mask,

Designed to seek help while hiding her fears.

selective focus photography of person wearing mask

Photo by fotografierende on Pexels.com

So I waited awhile to send her a reply,

Didn’t want to be flippant or seem like a jerk.

“What step do you have in mind?” I inquired.

She picked up the phone, and I heard her cry,

“I just lost my job. I can’t live without work.”

What help could I be to a friend who’d been fired?

woman wearing red hat and sunglasses

Photo by Nashua Volquez on Pexels.com

 

It was fun to try and create a “Petrarchan.”

You should try it!

 

This was a fiction account,

With a shred of truth;
For indeed I am blessed
With health and security
And a choice of next “steps,”
While I know friends who
Indeed are not and cannot!

grayscale photography of patient and relative holding hands

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Who will you reach out to today?
And will you try a Petrarchan?

 

Category:

blessings, contentment, friendship, Giving, Gratitude, happiness, health, Heartache, learning, Life's Challenges, Love, writing

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T = Trust

Day #20 – T = Trust

It’s been quite a ride! My A-Z series on “What Makes Me Happy?” Is drawing near an end, but today I TRUST you’ll continue reading, and I’ll continue to be inspired with new, pertinent topics. Thank you for being here. The ability to TRUST makes me happy 😃

T rusting brings

R espect and

U nderstanding and

S afety to vulnerability

T rusting is essential

In a world where parents feel a need to teach their children NOT to trust, we must be the models of trustworthiness. We must exude the love 💕 and safety we wish covered the earth.

The opposite of trusting is mistrusting, of course, and that creates worry and anxiety. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could feel free as a people to just trust? To just teach trust?

It’s probably Pollyanna thinking… unrealistic, you say. But, can’t we teach caution without teaching fear? Without causing worry and anxiety?

My go-to guide is Scripture. Jesus shows us the way. He talks about the birds being clothed so splendidly, so why worry about what we’ll wear. He showed us how He fed the multitudes, and told us not to worry about where our next meal is coming from. “Do not fear,” He taught us.

Philippians 4:6-7 is Paul’s message to the people of Philippi in which he cautioned them about worry. “Don’t worry about anything;” he wrote, “instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

So, the way to live in TRUST is to read, study, and apply the TRUTH of Scripture. Trust in God. Trust in what Jesus taught us. Sounds simple, huh? No, it’s not.

In today’s world we worry about safety. We hear of innocent people being murdered all the time.

In today’s world we worry about international affairs, divisiveness, wars, prejudice, and how it’s tearing us apart. We feel helpless to create that peace Paul wrote about. God’s Peace. Where is it? How can we exude it? How can we be the change we want to see in this world? How can we trust those people and situations that seem so untrustworthy?

My only solution is to remember the words of Paul, “Pray about everything.”

And remember/think about the words that remind us of how our simplest acts can make a difference to those we touch… and to those whose lives are affected by what we do.

R. Buckminster Fuller wrote, “Never forget that you are one of a kind. Never forget that if there weren’t any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn’t be here in the first place. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life’s challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person.”

Like tomorrow, if you’re in the USA, we can each make a difference. Go vote (if you haven’t cast an absentee ballot already). Every vote DOES matter!

Reach out to your neighbor in love. Reach out with help to a friend in need. Reach out to a fellow blogger with affirmation. Tell them that the words you just read made a difference for you. They resonated. Trust that your small acts add up to big differences.

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. In your shared weakness, you exhibit trust and you strengthen others.

Just TRUST!

He’s gotcha in the palm of His hand. Here’s my mantle in this season of Thanksgiving.  Remember to thank God for all the ways He loves and protects you. Trust Him!

May the peace of Christ that surpasses all human understanding be yours today.

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, blogging, Faith, happiness, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Love, peace, prayer

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O = Opportunities

Day #15 in my A – Z series of “What Makes Me Happy?”

OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities

Should not ever be wasted

Grab onto one now

.

What opportunity might you take advantage of today?

.

Share with me an “O” word that makes YOU happy.

.

Oh, and Happy Halloween!

Category:

Haiku, happiness, Love, Serving One Another

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