“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.”
God’s dollop!
Looking out my dining room window, I see a strange sight. God put a dollop of whipped cream on the little peak we call “The Beehive.” I eagerly grab my camera and capture this unusual sight. It won’t last long. Soon the cloud went behind the mountain. But, the picture is a gift of happiness while it lasts.
Our skies had been gray and smokey for over two weeks as smoke from forest fires over 150 miles away blew into our Madison Valley. So, seeing the blue sky and a cute little cloud so perfectly placed was a rare treat!
Driving home from Bozeman after dropping our dear Daughter #2 off at the airport, we could see promising blue sky up ahead. The blue sky was peeking through at the airport, too. Laina had not seen it during her entire 10 day stay!!
That was smoke hovering above, but rain clouds in view. I eagerly awaited the storm to wash the smoke away. See how shrouded the mountains were and how dirty the air was?
Sure enough, the next morning, we could see the mountains clearly again!
Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of clear air! I prayed eagerly for it. Thank you for answered prayers. God is good! Amen
The word of the day in Guideposts Daily Word is “Eager.” “I eagerly give myself to life,” is the by-line. “Eagerness helps give my life meaning. It is the feeling of positive anticipation, purpose, and confidence.”
I pray that you are bringing eagerness to all aspects of your life, too. The more energy and enthusiasm you share, the more you will have to share because it is part of your divine inheritance, a gift from God. Claim it!
This is an AI generated photo of a person feeling eager. And here is a photo of me feeling eager:
Eager to make a wish. Eager to blow out the candle. Eager to have my wish come true. It was for clear air and blue sky. God is good! My wish came true.
Now my blog is ready to update. I have a few questions for you:
What do you look like when you are eager? How are you living life eagerly? What wish do you have for a brighter future? I pray your wishes come true, too.
Today I am being prompted to post this n that… a little about a lotta things. Today would have been my dad’s 113th birthday if he were still alive. So, May 14th has a special ring in my heart. My daddy was a very special, very kind, very positive influence on my life. Happy Birthday, Dad!!
He gave the best hugs in the world!!
And today he would have loved to have been here with us in Ennis, Montana to witness the influx of antelope on our golf course’s driving range!
I am in touch each morning with our daughter, DeAna, in Switzerland, and our “adopted daughter,” Laina, who lives in Glen Burnie, near Baltimore. Today Laina sent me this photo of her “grand-dog” on her daughter’s lawn. Laina said the grass was foot high. She just finished mowing it! What a wonderful, thoughtful mama she is!
Our daughter, De, in Switzerland, sent us this picture of the flowers her middle son, Nicky, gave her for Mother’s Day. Isn’t it nice when our kids remember us on Mother’s Day and call or send flowers?
I was treated with flowers from De and Laina, and a phone call from our son in CA. Bob & I treated ourselves to a Mother’s Day buffet at “The Mint” in Belgrade. It’s a delightful restaurant not too far from the Bozeman Yellowstone Airport. I highly recommend it. Bob gave me a lovely card and the restaurant handed out flowers.
Just look at that happy smile and the beautiful plate of prime rib, potatoes, bacon, and asparagus. The Mint also had a section where there were salad fixings. All around us were families with their young children. I love watching little kids with their attentive parents, don’t you?
While we were in the restaurant, our pup Owen, stayed in his crate in the car. He is such a good traveler! On the way home he decided he wanted to travel on the floor between my feet, He usually sits in my lap. Go figure! Owen is 9 months old! He’ll be 10 months on the 24th. That’s the day we’ll get him neutered and have a chip installed.
Our waitress at The Mint was “Solaira.” Isn’t that a pretty name? She said her mom made it up. I had never heard it before. She was a very attentive, efficient waitress.
💋 Today Owen was happy to be in my lap as we traveled to the Post Office to pick up our mail. It’s a gray, cool (56 degree) day. We’ve had a little rain. Can use some more moisture here. We haven’t seen the last of our snow yet!
Well, that’s enough of my rambling this n that for today. I hope you had a Terrific Tuesday and the rest of your week goes well, too. What are your plans for this week? What are you looking forward to?
Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Tune in to God’s Plan. It’s definitely the one I wanna go with! Have a blessed week. Love, JanBeek
Each month our Madison Valley Woman’s Club meets for lunch and a business meeting. My role in the organization is to be their “Inspirational Leader.” As such, I share a message with the ladies – – – and this year I have chosen a selection each month out of my journal titled, “I Can, and I Will… Watch Me!”
Today’s “I Can” message was titled, “I Can Share.” And what I shared was the ideas from a link my friend, Lee, sent me titled “Embrace Values.”
Embrace Values
Wearing a $300 or a $3 watch – – They both tell the same time.
Whether they carry a $300 purse or a $3 handbag from the Nearly New – – The amount of money on the inside is the same.
Whether we drive a $150K car or a $30K car, – The road and distance are the same and we get to the same destination.
Whether we drink a bottle of $300 or $10 wine (if we drink it all) – The hangover is the same.
Whether the house we live in is 300 sq. ft. or 30,000 sq. ft, – The loneliness is the same.
You will realize your true happiness does not come from – the material things in this world.
Whether you fly first class or economy, – If the plane goes down – you go with it.
Therefore… I hope you realize – When you have mates, buddies, and old friends, brothers and sisters who you chat with, laugh with, talk and pray with, sing songs with, talk about north, south, east, and west, that is true happiness! And they will share and agree with you on these:
Five Undeniable Facts of Life
Don’t educate your children to be rich, – educate them to be happy so they will know the value of things, not the price.
Best awarded words in London: – Eat your food as your medicine – otherwise you will have to eat your medicine as food.
The ones who love you will never leave you for another – because even if there are 100 reasons to give up, he/she will find one reason to hold on.
There is a big difference between a human being and being human, – only a few really understand it.
You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. – In between, you just have to learn to manage!
NOTE: If you just want to walk fast, walk alone! But if you want to walk far, walk together! – Thank you for walking together with one another here in this, Our Madison Valley!! God bless you!!
Our ladies in the Madison Valley Woman’s Club are those kinds of friends. We are so blessed to have one another to work with, laugh with, meet with, and care for. Thank you, Ladies! I love you!!
It was a marvelous Montana morning. The sun wasn’t up yet, but the doves were. They cooed and wooed and greeted the day. I was happy to be up before the sun.
Note the puddle on the rock there. It rained a little last night. Everything is so fresh and green. Welcome to Terrific Tuesday!
As the sky brightened, so did my spirits. Looking at the purple mountain majesty, How could anyone not be happy here? Montana is such a beautiful place to be.
Good morning, sweet Montana sunrise. Thank you, Lord, for another day; A day to rejoice and be glad in it, A day to sing God’s praises….
Sing along with me and the children:
Have a Terrific Tuesday! How will you celebrate life today?
I posted this two days ago… before I was bit by a nasty 24-hr. flu bug. Felt like I was hit by a diesel truck! My birthday “Flu By” yesterday. Today this blog sits in “Jet Pack” saying it wasn’t posted. I know it was… some of you responded. But, it’s not letting me respond to your comments. So, here it is again …maybe a little different; (JetPack didn’t keep my latest revisions… siiiiigh!)
I’ve discovered there are many more ways to lower your blood pressure than there are ways to raise it!
Those of you who read my last few blogs know I had a bout with increased blood pressure that went up to over 200/80. Dangerously high!
Well, it’s going down. Soon it’ll be back to normal. Besides meds, here are five ways I have found that are very helpful:
1. Relax. Stay in my pj’s and robe til noon.
2. Spend quiet time in a special spot. Pray. Read my Bible. Meditate on a favorite scripture or poem.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
So many friends/family prayed for my health yesterday as the Flu Bug hit me like a diesel truck! God is good… He answered. Today I feel much better!
3. Latch on to your favorite friend and accept the invitation of other friends to go and do something fun together. (Thank God I got to do that before the diesel truck hit!)
4. Hug a dog … and the friends who brought the dog along while we all went out on their ATV, four-wheeling up into the mountains to a beautiful lake.
Off we go…
Beautiful scenes along the way…
Wonderful fields of wildflowers…
Gorgeous SureShot Lake
Zeke is such an intelligent, sweet dog! He loves riding in the canoe.
I rode in the canoe, too!! What a beautiful get-away! (Can’t get that picture to post here… You can just imagine it!)
Oh, and the fifth way to lower your blood pressure?
5. Get a good night’s sleep after enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Do you have some ideas for how to lower your blood pressure if it’s too high or how to keep it at a normal range?
Let me hear from you.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek I send my love and appreciation for you.
This coming week is a big one in Ennis, MT. People come from all around to enjoy: 1) the Fireman’s Pancake breakfast 7:-10:am at the FireHall, 2) the old fashioned (step back 50 years) parade at 10:00 am, 3) a walk around our quaint little town for a couple hours, 4) the Lion’s Club BBQ at Lion’s Club Park at noon, and 5) the rodeo at 4:00 PM … or is it later? (there’s also one the night of the 3rd)
Here are a few pictures from years past to help you see what a great set of events it is:
The parade is an event not to be missed!
The rodeo is always fun!
I love the way little kids dress up for the holiday! The adults go all out, too!
When I chose my word for 2023, “Ready” back on January 1, 2023, I did not know what I needed to be ready for. But I told myself, “Whatever comes my way, I will be cheerfully ready!”
This past week, we had the privilege of hosting my niece, her husband and 16-year-old son, and her bff from Utah, Melissa. And mid-way through their visit, our son and his wife came for 3 days and 4 nights. A house full! Was I ready?
Yes! When your guests are happy, helpful, and relaxed, it’s easy to be cheerfully ready for them!
A day in Yellowstone was a highlight. We all were ready for the bubbling geysers and pools, bison and other animals. Old Faithful always was a hit!
Are you ready to visit Yellowstone? Are you ready to ooh and aaah?
That photo captured only about 1/4 of the herd. It was the largest group of bison mamas and their calves that I’ve ever seen!
We were ready to see the elk and deer 🦌 So, yes, they did not disappoint us! We even saw a black bear. Rare!
My grand-nephew, Liam and I were ready to have our memories of “Artist’s Point” captured by a kind tourist. It’s my favorite Yellowstone spot!
And the guys were more than pleasantly waiting with alacrity for their day of fishing on the Madison. Each of them caught at least one fish … some caught three. No, we didn’t have a fish fry! The Madison River has a “catch & release” policy.
What are you ready for today? I hope you’re anticipating it with alacrity!
You are blessed to be a blessing. You have been given many gifts. They are meant to be shared; Pass them out – give others lifts!
Share Gifts
Whether its an ice cream That you share with your best friend Or an outing planned to surprise Your spouse, let your love extend.
Last night we shared a dinner At a restaurant – mighty fine – I had my favorite rack of lamb In a place so fine to dine.
Bob had his favorite seafood In a curry sauce with cream. We shared the blessing of the meal In this gorgeous spot… a dream!
It’s an Asian fusion restaurant In the heart of Bozeman city. The waitress, Marisa, did a great job – Shared her talent – Ain’t she pretty?
If you have the special blessing Of being able to go out for a meal With your favorite dining partner, Do it! I know just how you’ll feel…
Oh, and if that fabulous chef Tucks a surprise inside your dish, Be sure a let him/her know how much You appreciate it… and how it was delish!
My rack of lamb with broccolini Had a flower tucked inside. Oh, what fun it was to find and taste it … Some blessings like to hide!
If you’re ever in the city of Bozeman, Look up “Sweet Chili Asian Bistro.” It’s a delight – a real blessing – a treat! And, take your sweetheart when you go…
We came home to a Montana sunset That was a treat indeed for our eyes. My friend in North Carolina sent her sunset – Sadly Canadian fires created her smokey skies.
But the blessing in her mind was It could be a whole lot worse. My daughter in the Baltimore area showed The smoke there is a real curse.
Meanwhile, returning to our home A rainbow greeted us as we drew near – God’s promise wrapped in the scene – A reason always to give a cheer!!
We’re blessed with Rocky Mountain grandeur And our intent is share it with you. As the day draws to a close here, Here’s a scene for you to review:
Taken from our back patio You can see the highlighted shelf. As the sun sets to the west behind us, We thank God for nature’s wealth.
Bob mowed the lawn before the rain Came and watered the grass so green. Yes, we are blessed to be a blessing – – – Come visit us and see what I mean!
Love, JanBeek
What blessing are you blessed to share with others today?
I LOVE the Jehovah Shalom Acapella sextet. They are phenomenal. Their musicianship, range, uplifting song selections, tone, and delightful facial expressions give me a smile and a sense of peace that lasts all day! I pray for all of them… and their ability to continue to bless us with their music. Do you know them?
I have a smile, a kind word, and a poem of encouragement to share with you. I shared it with the Madison Valley Woman’s Club today. I hope it inspired many to also “Find Peace.”
May this poem, this music, and my prayers for you bring you a sense of inner peace that allows to you to let His light shine brightly through you!
I Can Find Peace
I can find peace It’s here in my heart Living in trust Is a good place to start
I can find peace In stillness and prayer Don’t need to go far Peacefulness is there
Find peace in the world Find oneness with all Find joy and contentment No need for a wall
Peace in relationships Peace from above Just radiate inner peace And reach out in love
Among the poems that my mom collected and saved each week in 1938-1940 from Newman, California’s “West Side Index” was this lovely poem to reinforce the way we each can find peace and pass it on:
Little Things
Somebody did a kindly deed, It helped you all the day. Do it again, for somebody else, Who, needy, passes your way.
Somebody said a kindly word; Say it again, for you May brighten somebody else’s load By the word that brightened you.
Somebody smiled a cheerful smile; It made the day seem bright. It was only a little thing you say, But those little things have might.
Those little things – are they little things? Just think how the whole long day An unkind word or slighting tone Has hidden the sun away.
At our Madison Valley Woman’s Club meeting today, the ladies shared plants of basil and rosemary, gifts of one sort and other, with one another. New officers were installed. A budget for the coming year was adopted. The organization owns and operates the Nearly New here in Ennis. It is a non-profit, volunteer organization that earns “big bucks” by selling “Twice in the Closet” clothing, books, kitchen ware, jewelry, etc. Hats off to all those who donate their goods and services to the Nearly New! The second-hand shop is run totally by volunteer labor. The majority of their profits are given back to the community in the form of scholarships to graduating high school seniors, monthly monetary support to the local library, and countless other worthy community organizations (such as the nursing home, the community pre-school, senior and youth services, etc.). They budgeted $163,000 to be given away in the coming fiscal year.
There is an enormous sense of peace & community pride that comes with the collaborative efforts of the club’s more than 150 members working together all year to make these kinds of profits possible. Our town of Ennis, MT has a population of just a little over 1,000 residents. So, you can just imagine what a gift this club is not just to Ennis, but to the entire Madison County and to the state. Hats off to all those dedicated volunteers!
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Give the best you got!
May the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones as you give generously of your time, talents, and resources.
Remember, your cup is not half full or half empty, It is overflowing… and it is refillable!
God bless you this day and every day! Hugs, JanBeek
