Relax! Everything’s gonna be okay. Rest … things are coming your way. Open your heart; love’s here to stay. Everything’s coming together on this day.
“… to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ, Relax! Everything’s gonna be alright. Rest, everything’s coming together. Open your hearts; Love is on its way.”
Jude 1:1-2 (MSG)
Relax and roll with the waves of life. Let go of any tensions or strife. Go hug your husband or wife, Or find a neighbor whose troubles are rife.
Sit and do nothing at all. Let your mind wander and sprawl. Relax and dream to enthrall The birds who come to your whistled call.
In these days of political strife With pundants telling us how to think It’s easy to get drawn off balance Easy to feel we’re drowning – gonna sink!
BUT, we’re not!! Read on…
Guideposts devotional, “Mornings With Jesus” elaborated on this theme today. Suzanne Davenport Tietjen wrote, “My soaking tub isn’t very big, but it’s deep – deep enough to float in. Floating might be my favorite thing now – but that would surprise my mother. She thought I’d never master it when I was a child. I was fine if my parent’s or swimming teacher’s arms supported me, but I panicked whenever they tried to transition me to floating on my back solo…
“Finally Mom convinced me to practice in the Gulf of Mexico, saying that I’d float higher in salt water. The difference was probably miniscule, but … I relaxed enough to lie back, rock on the waves, and float. All I needed to do was not do anything…
“It seems like a paradox, this doing something by relaxing into doing nothing. And paradoxically, I struggle with this in my walk with Jesus. I want to do. Jesus wants me to just be. To relax and roll with the waves of life. There is no need to be tense or on guard. … Lean back, let go, and trust Him that everything’s going to be all right.”
Today you are invited to lean on Jesus. Trust Him to help you roll with life. Lean back. Let go. Everything’s gonna be alright!
You have access to all the power you need You just gotta be sure to plug in Connect to the source of your power It’s available to you even if you’re shut in
Like a mighty wave or hurricane Power can evoke awe or cause destruction What’s the source of your power? There’s a ready source… what’s your deduction?
I bet you know where I’m going With this line of reasoning. Yup, the power I have in mind Is filled with the best spiritual seasoning!
In yesterday’s Mornings With Jesus devotional comments by Karen Sargent, she shared an experience she had with power cords. She was preparing for a presentation using various technology. Thinking she might need an extension cord, she added it to her equipment. However, after setting everything up, she realized she didn’t have the part she needed. Sargent wrote,
“… There was a problem. In one hand I held a three-prong plug on my laptop cord. In the other, a two-prong plugin. I checked the projector cord. Three prongs. Without the ability to tap into the electrical source… my technology was useless. I couldn’t power up.”
Sargent extrapolated, “That wasn’t the first time I’d failed to tap into a power source. Sometimes I function on two-prong faith. I know Jesus can do anything… And through Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things (Philippians 4:13). But how often do I connect to the power of the Holy Spirit, the mighty third prong?”
Karen Sargent’s message spoke to me. Yesterday friends helped us install Our Christmas tree here at home – Tucked in along the north-east wall.
We plugged the lights in after A lot of struggle to assemble it. Look closely at the lights there A section is missing … do I resemble it?
Do I lack a portion of my power Because I’m not plugged in totally? The message hit me with a jolt. It fit my plight anecdotally!
Karen Sargent ended her reflections with these thoughts:
“After His resurrection, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, ‘Receive ye the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22). But it wasn’t until Jesus ascended into heaven that the Holy Spirit empowered them. Unlike that useless extension cord… the ultimate power source, The Holy Spirit, is always on hand.”
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
Each day as I read my Daily Guideposts and reflect on what the message means to me, I create a “Take-Away.” I have a page or two on which I record them. Here are the take-aways from July. Which one or two resonates with you as a “Take-away” for the month that you can carry with you into August?
July Take-Aways
Be an investor in prople
Be grateful for daily love, joy, and peace
Celebrate the peace of Christ
Freedom isn’t free!
Treasure your friends; tell ’em so
Happy Birthday, Mary Grace Reynolds (my pastor)
Thank God for our loving children
Celebrate the birthdays of friends
Enjoy every day the Lord gives us
Share freely and generously with others
Spend quality time with our God/Creator
Take refuge in the familiar
Thank God for free will
As God for direction; then Trust the Journey
Care for the vulnerable
Celebrate milestones with friends
Keep an “I’m good” attitude
Share the humor and laughter of others
Slow down and watch where you’re walkin’
Be forever grateful for God’s miracles
Home is where angels live to guard us
His grace is sufficient
Praise God, friends & family for love
Love your spouse, church family & kids extravagantly
Love and appreciate the color in your life
Git Movin’
Praise God for His love, mercy, and guardian angels
Be sure to exercise daily
Thank God for giving you momentum
Thank Jesus for His companionship
I read both Mornings with Jesus and Daily Guideposts each morning up in my sanctuary. Been doing it for over a decade now.
They help me plan my day and start off on the right foot.
With the “Take-Away” tucked in my heart, I head down the circle staircase with this 12 step prayer spoken to God on my way:
Dear God, Thank you for the 1. love, 2. joy, and 3. peace (that are mine) – Help me with: 4. patience, 5. kindness, 6. goodness, and 7. faithfulness (which brings blessings). Help me with 8. gentleness, and 9. self-control. 10. Help me live humbly with an attitude of gratitude, and a response of 11. generosity, forgiveness, 12. obedience and integrity. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
And at that point, I am at the bottom… ready to start my day.
Here are half of the June Take-Aways
Which of the Take-Aways from June or July will you carry into August with you?
Have an Awesome month! See ya tomorrow (God willing) Love, JanBeek
Just as the bees in a hive look out for one another, our WordPress community reaches out and cares for one another. Thank you all for your words of support and comfort during this time of pain and loss. Your words are sweet as honey!
Your comforting words remind me of this scripture:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Not only did I present my request to God, but I told you, my friends, about our troubles: my fall and subsequent dislocated & broken finger, and our granddaughter’s miscarriage. From the goodness of your hearts, you reached out with words of encouragement. Thank you so much!
My hand is bruised and wrinkly – and the fingers are braced to keep the broken pinky immobile, but this will heal… and the good news is that it was my finger and not my head that took the brunt of the fall. I have an appointment next week with an orthopedic hand specialist. Hopefully no further intervention will be needed.
In the case of Hope and Drew (my granddaughter and her hubby), prayers are appreciated for their family as they move forward. Finding that she had lost the fetus, Hope’s comment was, “Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.” It was early in her pregnancy – and that’s a blessing. I think it is much harder when the baby is more developed, the sex is determined, and the parents are preparing their home and hearts for the new addition. In this case, they had not quite adjusted to the idea of a third child yet. So, we are just thanking God for the blessing of the two they already have… and praying for their well being.
I pray for more time to be with them, too… Children are such a blessing! God is good – especially when He allows us to live long enough to see our children’s children have children. Don’t you agree?
During this week following Holy Week, we still are in awe of the Easter miracle… and our minds are comforted by the resurrection message. We remember that this is the week when Jesus showed Himself to the disciples in the Upper Room. He returned to let Thomas touch His nail scarred hands and his pierced side. (I bet Jesus’ hands hurt more than mine does right now!)
He talked with His followers who were on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), and was seen by hundreds before His ascension. Jesus’ words are a comfort to us all! Listen to them in song:
Bee Comforted! Let not your heart be troubled.
In yesterday’s Mornings with Jesus Dianne Neal Matthews wrote, “Remember how Christ felt concern for His disciples’ well-being and sought to comfort them… He paid a high price so I can know supernatural peace in all circumstances… His soul was troubled so mine doesn’t have to be, regardless of what I face.”
I am thankful it was:
my left hand, not my dominant one
my finger, not my head that broke
early on in Hope’s pregnancy not the last trimester – and she’s OK
God’s concern for mankind that sent His Son to earth
His sacrifice that assures me of eternal life
your words of encouragement that comforted me
Thank you!!
Oh, and this is the day that my youngest granddaughter, Faith, who lives in CA with her husband and a new little girl, Mable, is celebrating her 26th birthday! Happy Birthday, Faith!! That’s another reason to be thankful, right?
Happy Birthday, Faith!!
Have a blessed weekend, my friends. I send my love. See ya tomorrow (God willing) Thanks for visiting JanBeek
On this day, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet; He shared the Last Supper with them; He revealed that one of them would betray Him, He told them where He was going:
Mark 14: 24-25
24 “This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Before Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room, they sang a hymn. I wonder what hymn they sang? This morning in my devotionals, I learned the definition of “Hymn.” According to this morning’s Daily Word, it is not just a song sung ABOUT God, it is a song sung TO God.
I am going to pretend I was there, and I got to pick the hymn to sing with the disciples and Jesus.
What hymn would YOU choose?
Mark 14:26 “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
There on the Mount of Olives, Jesus predicted Peter’s denial.
Mark 14:27-31
27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’[a]
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[b] you yourself will disown me three times.”
31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
Sure enough! Before the rooster crowed twice, Peter had indeed denied knowing Christ.
Would I have been brave enough to admit I was one of His disciples if I were in Peter’s shoes?
When Jesus went off by Himself to pray to His Father because He was “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” Jesus told three of His disciples, “Stay here and keep watch.”
Mark 14:35-36 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
While He prayed, all three disciples fell asleep!
Would I have been the one disciple who managed to stay awake when Jesus went off alone to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane? Probably not! I would have heard Jesus say:
Mark 14:42-43
“Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
At tomorrow’s Good Friday service, we will focus on the last words of Jesus. Our pastor has chosen seven scriptural passages to capture that last day with the disciples before His arrest and trial and crucifixion. Some of them are those quoted above. Tune in tomorrow and I’ll let you know which of Jesus’ last words I will have the privilege of reading at the Good Friday service.
Meantime, we’re headed for the Maundy Thursday service. I wonder what Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds will do for this evening’s devotional? It’s another “first” in our fresh-out-of-seminary pastor. Such a blessing!
Thanks for joining me for today’s post. See ya tomorrow (God willing) Love ya, JanBeek
The woman’s husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day. One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, “My dearest, you have been with me all through the bad times. When I was laid off, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you stayed right here. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. You know what?”
“What dear?,” she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth.
“I think you’re bad luck.”
OK, LAUGH!! But, no, don’t take that seriously! Our spouses are such an important part of our support system!
But not all are blessed with a supportive spouse. Some live alone; some live in turmoil at home; and some just feel abandoned. Some just need a hand…
In “Mornings with Jesus,” my daily devotional today, the scripture featured was
Isaiah 49:15-16 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands…”
The nail prints engraved on Jesus’s hands remind us that He died in our place. We can be sure He will never forget us, even if everyone else on earth does.
Have you ever felt abandoned by everyone else – left with nowhere to turn, looking for solace and finding it only in your faith?
I haven’t!
But I have friends and family who have experienced those emotions. And some of them don’t know how to turn to their faith, either. I had a niece who felt that way – and she committed suicide! So this topic of emotional support systems is very dear to me!
In the case of my niece, she isolated herself from family and friends. She suffered in silence. She left the rest of us wondering where we went wrong. How could we not have picked up the stress signals that let us know the depth of her despair? But we didn’t…
Don’t be deceived by outward appearances! Look deep inside. Be the friend in whom your family and neighbors can confide by asking questions and showing concern!
Yesterday I shared about the grief of losing a friend – – – an ATV buddy who died while we were on our trip. And I shared the difficulty of our news about my husband, Bob’s, health issues. The outpouring of love and support from friends on Facebook and blogging buddies here was heartwarming. I thank you for embracing my grief and sharing my hope and faith in good test results and clear diagnosis and effective treatments. Your emotional support is so appreciated!
This week is full of labs and scans, biopsies and various exams. In the midst of it all, I draw strength from my faith. I know God is with me and Bob. I know He is in control. I believe He works for our good. And I feel your love and encouragement. Thank you for being a part of my support system! I appreciate you!
None of you shared yesterday if there is a way I can pray for you… a specific need you have. Let me know, okay? And thank you for keeping Bob & me in your prayers as we take this one day at a time.
Some days it takes courage to get out of bed! Some days it takes courage to look yourself in the mirror. Have you had days like that? Today was one of them for me!
So, I could go back to bed and feel sorry for myself – – or I could get up and face the day. I had to ask myself, WWJD?? (What would Jesus do?)
So, I began with that simple prayer…
Jesus said to me, “Get up and face the day! Be courageous!” So, I did… and by noon the one black eye was better and the color had shifted so it was on the other eye, too.
Not near as frightening looking!
Matthew 9:22
“But Jesus turning and seeing her said, ‘Take courage, daughter…’ “
My devotional for today in Mornings with Jesus reinforced the prayer response. So, up and out I went!
We have been having day after day with skies filled with smoke from the fires that are all around MT, ID, CO, CA, and OR. The mountains have been invisible to us weeks on end. But today I could see the mountains!
The view of the Madison Range from our Pintail Ridge here in Ennis.
By the time I spent a little time with a friend and returned home this afternoon, we had the clearest blue sky in months! See, if you have courage to face the day, God is good – and He will make you glad you did!
The beautiful view of blue sky above and around our home…
The moral of the story is, EMBRACE COURAGE!
Don’t let your hesitancy keep you from facing the day.
Get up, Get going, Get out, and Get happy!
God is good. Trust Him!
Oh, and remember those fires in CA? They are not over…
Please keep the firefighters and those in Harm’s Way in your prayers. Our son and his wife are sharing their home with a family of 8 who were evacuated from their home… but it is not destroyed… just in the evacuation zone … and the fire is still headed toward our granddaughter’s in S Lake Tahoe. So keep the prayers flowing!
See ya tomorrow – God willing!
EMBRACE COURAGE – and reach out to do what you can to help others…
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?‘ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
In today’s Mornings with Jesus devotional from Guideposts, Isabella Yosuico wrote, “I seek Jesus’ direction… I am struggling to keep an open mind and follow where He leads…”
Isabella went on to say that having faith means “… prayerfully doing what I can today and recognizing what I cannot do.”
All the world Is holding its breath – Some behind masks, Some behind fear, Some behind doors, Afraid to come near. Breathe in Peace. Experience a patch Of stillness, Kindness, and Presence. Each waking day. Carry it with you.
“… do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
