My granddaughter, Faith, is expecting a baby girl this April. This Sunday her mom is hosting a virtual baby shower for her. It’ll be my first ZOOM baby shower. Have you ever attended one?
In preparation for the event, we were invited to go on-line and offer advice using a variety of prompts. That was a fun thing to do. Fun to read each other’s responses! Also, Faith’s mom (our daughter-in-law, Monika) will be posting pictures of all the gifts as Faith virtually opens each one. How clever, huh?
Faith and Kyle were married in July of 2020. It was a fairy tale wedding.
Such a darling couple! They met at a Young Life Christian camping activity about 2018. They both have a strong faith. They have many ideals and activities they enjoy in common. One of their mutual activities is snowboarding. This photo gives you a glimpse into their personalities:
Hah! Sweet Kyle – Sassy Faith!
I am looking forward to attending the virtual shower tomorrow. Should be a fun, unique experience. I’ll post afterward to let you know how it went.
Faithy is an old fashioned girl. Her desires are simple. This is the bassinet/carrying case she chose for her baby!!
Fun, huh?
Don’t know how many months Baby McSparron will fit in there… but should be fun while it lasts!
This is a picture of Faith when she was a baby. She was a true gift from God! I have this photo framed and displayed up in my Angel room:
Precious baby! Ty & Monika were blessed to be able to adopt her at her birth!!
I can hardly wait to hold my newest little miracle baby when she comes. She’ll be our 4th great-grandchild. Yes, I know… we are mighty blessed.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow(God willing) Hugs…
Bye for now
Oh, before you go, I need to share with you a song that came to mind as I was writing this post. The Penguins went to the top of the hit parade in 1955 with this song. I was a sophomore in high school!! (Yes, I know… the dark ages!!) I loved dancing to this one … Thanks Phil & Benny – happy memories!
How am I changing the world? That was the question for today’s January 29th #Bloganuary prompt.
How would you answer it?
I changed the world when I was born Because I am as unique as one can be I change the world I live in Because there’ll never be another me
I changed the world when I gave birth to my first child, Tyronee Bee. He changed the world around him, too, Because he has deep faith, the same as me.
Ty is letting Jesus take him and Monika To the place God has for them both They tackle each day with perseverance And let God guide their daily growth
They reach out to those around them And share their wisdom with finesse Their hearts are full of love and wonder It’s obvious, those they touch, they bless.
I changed the world when I gave birth to my second child, DeDe Bee Her nickname is Miss Sunshine Her sparkle touches you and me
She smiles at life through thick & thin And “Carpe’ Diem” is her motto Her days are filled with sweetest song A smooth, clear tone with no vibrato
I change the world when I can travel To see my kids and encourage them I know the Good Lord guides their paths And nothing can discourage them
I know if I am weak and needy They’ll help me out however they can They’ll do the same for all they meet They know no stranger – child, woman, or man
I change the world when I reach out To gather friends and take them in Enlarge our family with additional members Reach out, expand, let others just blend in
They change their worlds in return And the circle just grows larger Connecting lives where e’re they go Giving others energy – a super recharger
I change the world when I give hugs Virtually or in gentle person Without the care and love of others The world of loneliness would worsen
So, never doubt your worth, dear friend Never imagine that you don’t matter Every kind word that you speak Is like seed in wind – let them scatter
Influence You matter You change lives Of those around you Love
Your world may involve only one One other person to interact with But that person means the world to you And that’s the world you’re packed with
So never underestimate your worth To just one – or to a world of plenty – You change the world where you are Folks who do not matter? There aren’t any!!
Many thanks to my faithful long-term friends here – And a hearty welcome to my new followers! You make me smile… You change my world.
Have a great weekend. It’s so good to be home! Go out – or stay in – either way, You change the world around you.
Never doubt it!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. See ya tomorrow (God willing)
I could have called this “Embrace Maturity,” but that would have been pussyfooting around the issue. Not everyone matures as they age, but aging is not an option.
You do it or you die.
However, I embraced this meme when I saw it:
Aging is a privilege only given to the lucky ones, you know. So, yes, I will count this year … but at 81, I sometimes forget if it is 80 or 81 and if I try to get by with the lesser number, I have an 82 year old husband who is quick to remind me.
Hah! Can’t fool him… He keeps a check on me – – – but he’s not big on donuts. Darn!
My daughter (most of you have met her on this blog in the past – DeDe – lives in Switzerland) sent me this a little while back. She particularly liked it because one of Bob’s nicknames for me is “Rocky”
Most of you also know that I have a sanctuary where I spend the first hour most every morning… and in it I have three antique rockers. Ah, yes, it’s the perfect image of me!
But the chair that brings us mutual joy is the one we put in the back of our ATV and pull out when we stop for a break. The best way to embrace aging is to find a hobby that you can enjoy with someone you love.
For Bob and me, it is joining friends and going four-wheeling on these wonderful Rocky Mountain trails. .. stopping to fish the mountain lakes. Ah, that’s livin’!!
What hobbies make your aging process more enjoyable? One of our mutual hobbies (besides four-wheeling) is teaching Sunday School.
Here are darling Ruby & Cord.
COVID got in the way of being able to meet each Sunday morning with these two darlings and one other… and then these two moved away. As they age, their mom sends us pictures.
Getting picture from family and friends is a great way to welcome the new day and look forward to the next time you can visit.
Aging is easier to embrace if you have dreams – something to look forward to, right?
We dream of next October – when COVID-19 will be controlled and it will be safe to travel to see our daughter, De, and her husband, Andre’ – and stay in one of the hotel rooms above the restaurant.
As we age, some of the benefits outweigh the struggles that come with aching joints and lowered energy levels.
One of them is, when your grandkids act up and get on your nerves, you can just send ’em back to their folks!
Couldn’t do that when you were younger and they were your own kids!
Gotta look for the perks in this aging process!
Oh my! Take ’em home!!
Another advantage of aging is that we have time to reminisce about the “Good Ole Days” and the songs we used to sing that these youngsters with their guitars and drums don’t seem to understand anymore.
And if those songs and the memories they bring aren’t enough to make you feel good about still being on this earth, try singing this one:
Another way to “Embrace Aging” is to relish the extra time you have to just find a good book, pour yourself a hot chocolate or a glass of wine, curl up in front of a warm fire, and spend some uninterrupted quality time.
When you were younger, that luxury was seldom yours, right?
Now, if you are a youngster (under retirement age) reading this blog, you are probably thinking that I am a dreamer. You’re right. I am! And each day I dream up all kinds of things to keep me exuberant about life.
Yesterday it was effervescence. The day before it was … oh, do I have to go back that far?
Nope! A trick to aging gracefully is to remain playful. Keep your hobbies, and make up ways to keep the sparkle alive. Take those boots that were left at the front door and get creative!
If you can’t get out because you’re snowed in – and you’re longing for sushi, but the nearest place is an hour away, send money to your kids and tell them to go out for sushi on you. But make sure they send you a picture… and drool all over the computer screen when they send it!
Ask your friends to send you a picture of the table they decorated for some recent holiday – and then marvel at their creativity as you sit down for the 10th night in a row at your kitchen counter… thanking God for your life, your food, your kids, and your kitchen counter.
A trick to embracing aging is to always remain thankful for your blessings… even if they aren’t at a yacht club!!
Now, here’s a couple who knows how to live it up: My friends, the Rosens.
Embrace Aging by feeding your mind Hope, Truth and Love on a daily basis.
Don’t let your mind tell you you’re OLD. That’s a state of mind for the senile. It’s not for you!
Tell your mind that aging just adds to your story… and you’re not finished telling it yet!
Job 5:9 “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
Every day is a MIRACLE!
The fact that I was able to go on that ATV ride yesterday on those bumpy, rocky trails is in itself a miracle. You know I had hernia surgery on my mid-section last month. To enjoy yesterday with Bob & our friends was a WONDER, for sure! And today I am no worse for the wear… Thank God!
I remember now The terrible destruction And our lack of help.
I wonder why we Didn’t do more to assist? Do you wonder, too?
Google says, “The Micronesian nation offers beautiful white beaches, exotic wildlife, and intriguing culture and history.”
Through the miracle of You.Tube you can take a virtual trip to Guam and you can learn about its history and see its beauty… and you will WONDER how many of these gorgeous places might have survived or been destroyed by that hurricane. This video was created in 2016 and the hurricane was in 2019.
Like me, you will WONDER why this site doesn’t list the PEOPLE who died in this tragic event. Certainly they are more important than the $3.3 million in damage. And you want to hear stories of the MIRACLES of survival in the midst of such devastation, right?
As I quoted from the Bible at the beginning of this post, in Job 5:9 it says, “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
Everywhere we look in this world, there are wonders and miracles to behold. Open your eyes to them, my friends.
I told you some of the ones I see and some I would like to travel and see. How about you? What miracles do you see? What wonders do you want to see?
How do you see yourself? Do you know YOU ARE A MIRACLE? How alert is your funny bone?
Are you ready for the miracle of laughter that brings healthy endorphins into your body?
Are you laughing?
Keep on laughing. It does wonders for your mental health! Love ya, JanBeek
Today I am having a hernia removed. The doctor will use a robot to do the work. The wonders of today’s science in medicine never cease to amaze me.
I would probably freak out if I could see what the robot is doing. But I am grateful there is this in-and-out procedure available.
While I am out of commission for my blog, today, let me share with you a You.Tube that was sent to me by a friend. Lee said, “Everyone should see this.” I agree!
Take about a few minutes and do yourself a favor. Click on this video and enjoy – be amazed – be in awe… and take a minute to pray for my safe and “easy” surgery and speedy recovery, too, will you?
Oh, and before you go, take a minute to pray for my older sister, Sally, too, will you? She is in PA in a nursing home. She has Alzheimers.
No one deserves to be in her shoes with this pandemic preventing all visitors. I am so saddened by her situation, but grateful for all those who care for her.
Yup, I am the little sister… Definitely not well behaved!! Thanks for stopping by JanBeek
Be a messenger With words of love, peace, and hope Embody God’s love
A Prayer for Grace from Strength & Grace by Guideposts
“Loving God, Lead me to be a vessel of Your healing love in a hurting world. Help me make a difference here on earth by loving people the way that You love them.”
Amen
Reach Out in Love…
…and have a Wonderful Wednesday! See ya later. JanBeek
Fast away this old month passes – New one enters, cold and blue. Never have I felt such distance Separating me from lovely you.
My arms long to hold your heartstrings; My soul aches to feel your touch. Never did I think I’d feel so lonely- Never have I missed you so much.
I miss my church friends in the pew; I miss singing our hymns with you. I long to gather at your table And sip a glass of wine or two.
I miss the chance of volunteering Where I can go and serve with glee. I miss the sound of great crowd cheering. I pray you’ll soon be here with me.
Fast away this old month passes – No one knows where the end will be Of this dark and deadly outbreak. Won’t you pray for a cure with me?
Looking on the Brighter Side
Fast away this old month passes I’m reminded of how much I love Being safe and feeling healthy, Hearing coos from nesting doves.
I have much for which to thank God – And as April nudges through my door, May my heart be ever grateful For my safety and for so much more.
May I thank God daily for his watch Over friends and family – oh so dear. May I remember to show gratitude For all the blessings I have here.
Keep my eyes on all the wonders God has strewn across my path. Food to eat, a loving family, and Friends with texts that make me laugh.
Fast away this old month passes. I won’t let the new be blue. I’ll keep looking for God’s miracles And send His love daily to you.
My Thanks and Condolences
Thank you, dear blogging friends, for visiting JanBeek. You represent about 80 countries, my WordPress stats have told me. Some of you have lost loved ones during this pandemic… or you know people who have. 11,600 deaths in Italy alone?? It is unfathomable!! The USA’s latest toll is 2,900, according to today’s news… with no end in sight. No place, no person on our planet is immune!
My Heart Breaks
My heart breaks for all who suffer, who have lost loved ones, whose family and friends have tested positive, who are feeling the loneliness and the vulnerability I wrote about in the beginning of this blog. It is not a situation we should make light of! It is deadly and it is on the rise. Bee Well, my friends. Bee safe!
I love you!
Let’s pray together: “Dear Lord, please make this COVID-19 go FAST AWAY!!“ Amen.
We have been praying for my cousin, Cliff, who had esophageal cancer, had his esophagus removed and part of his stomach… and then had the remaining part of his stomach stretched to connect where the esophagus used to be. It was an amazing surgery and he has been in a recuperation mode for a couple of weeks now.
Today Cliff went HOME. And as you can see in the picture above, he is a happy camper!!
Thank you for continuing to pray for Cliff Hurn as he gains strength and is able to resume a more normal life again.
Modern medicine is amazing, isn’t it? It’s a miracle that they can do these kinds of surgeries!!
I’m off to bed soon. Tomorrow is a big day. We will fly to PA to see my sis and stay with my niece and her family. I am excited about it!
Sermon notes from today’s service in Ennis. Montana – Rev. Steve Hundley Taken in poetry as I listened – written through JanBeek’s filters.
Church: A Miracle of God
I can’t scold you today – Not because we are in this place, Not because I’m in a good mood, But because of the love in this space.
Because of the words of Paul (the ones our Paul read so well today), I am encouraged to join in With what Gentle Jesus had to say.
He wrote to the Thessalonians While he was out traveling, making a tent, “We were gentle among you,” He said. “We spoke soft words – whispered encouragement.”
Paul’s words to other churches Were not so gentle and kind. But to the Thessalonians, He set aside Sternness – and praised the ties that bind.
The Gospel is a powerful book. It can and does transform lives. We are astonished at how God’s Word Teaches, changes folks, lives, and survives.
The church, like the one in Thessalonica, Is a place where people love and give. They pray for you, they stay with you, They make life better and help you live.
Our old church in McAllister, Montana was built in the early 1900s. It has no running water, so when we use it for church services once a year, we have to rent a porta-potty, chase the mice away, and clean the mouse droppings from the chairs and alter.
But, it is a place that reminds of how simple God’s church can be. It doesn’t have to be a large, elaborate cathedral to be worshipful.
It is not the building that makes a church. In the early days, many of the “church services” were held in people’s homes. Some people in today’s world still hold their worship services in living rooms, tents, or on an open hillside. The Miracle of God that is His Church is not the place, but the people.
Wherever we gather, with the focus on worship of our God, He is with us. That’s what Paul was telling the church of Thessalonica.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 was what our scripture volunteer, Paul Carlson, read to us today:
“Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory. And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”
As Christians, members of His Church, that is our goal: to hear His Word, and respond to it by encouraging, comforting, and urging fellow Christians to live lives that demonstrate He is indeed at work in us. That is what makes our church “God’s Miracle.” Not the building, but we, the people.
Whether we are in our old McAllister treasure, or our salmon-colored church in downtown Ennis, our job is to love one another, support one another, and spread the Word to those who may not know the Peace of Christ that “passeth all understanding.”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God Bless You, my friends. I hope you have the joy of a supportive church family. And I pray that you are one of those who is God’s hand at work in this world. Have a lovely Sunday night.
