Embrace Relaxation
Gorgeous Photography
Have a peaceful , relaxing Wordless Wednesday.
Embrace Relaxation!
Love ya,
JanBeek
Posts tagged ‘mountains’
Gorgeous Photography
Open Your Hands
Open your hands
Empty them of needless 2020 stuff
Open your hands
Today’s treasures will be enough
Enough to satisfy
Your every need today
Enough to bless you
And send you on your way
Open your heart
To the blessings of today
And be ready for the new ones
That will surely come your way
Open your mind
To the endless possibilities
That this new year holds
And prepare for the unexpected
Open your eyes
To the wonders of God’s creation
Open your soul
To appreciate each situation
(Kevinleaguephoto)
Open your mind
To see the beauty in the old
Even the broken and decrepit
Has beauty to unfold
Open your imagination
To find the beauty of the heart
Look into the gentle eyes
And let your life be a part
Of the world of need around you
Of the hurting and the lost
Open your hands
Give love; don’t count the cost!
Open your hand
To take another’s.
Take my hand, Lord…
Lest I fall…
(Be sure to take time if you can
to enjoy the YouTube version
of that lovely song below)
Sing along!
Have a Wonderful 1st day of 2021, my friends.
Thank you for visiting JanBeek.
Bee well!
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Be encouraged by your faith
And the promises of God
for a better tomorrow!
I Love Winter!
Cozy
Still October
Should be Autumn
The Snow came Early
Winter.
“Elevenie”
Five Lines
Contains eleven words:
One, Two, Three, Four,
One
Cold
White peaks
Mountains are Beautiful
Looking from Warm Inside
Comfy.
Smart
Found Spot
Best Place Ever
Claimed Pillow at Fireplace
TazE!
Ready
Looking Forward
It’s Holiday Time
Trick or Treat Here
Candy!
October
Loves Orange
Roast the Seeds
Better than the Candy
Jack-o-Lanterns
Visiting
Pumpkin Patches
Enjoy the Fun
Keep Winter at Bay
Halloween 🎃
Clouds
Circle Mountains
Snow Covers Peaks
Can’t Hold Off Winter
Brrrrrr!!
Hey!
Yes, YOU!
Thanks for visiting.
I have missed you.
Welcome!
Leave a message and tell me how you’re doing!
Love ya…
JanBeek
Mountain Majesty
My friends, Terry and Jim Groshong, are hiking in the area of the Tetons this week. It is such a gorgeous area. I need to share some of their photos with you.
Bob calls her Sparkles (because she does).
had to have been taken
through one of these holes,
don’t you think?
Don’t these photos make you want to take a trip to Jackson Hole, WY, and on to the areas around? Terry and Jim did some hiking… You may want to plan on that, too.
Bob and I worked at the manse (church parsonage) today. He painted the area above the garage door where the paint was chipping due to years of snow and sun bearing down on it. I stayed with Bob while he did this project yesterday and today. Not a good idea for an 81 year old to be up on ladders and scaffolding. But, it had to be done.
While Bob painted, we had an audience:
With a little noise, she got up and spent about a half an hour munching on the lawn.
Meantime, Bob completed his job. The manse looks refreshed!
That was the gray base coat. I’ll show you the finished product tomorrow. Time to go now and listen to our Presidential Debate between Biden and Trump. I pray for honest exchange and civility.
Love ya,
JanBeek
Montana Aspen in Autumn
There is no better way
To spend an autumn day
Than to take a ride with friends
Up into the Gravelly Range
We traveled along the Madison
Overlooking the Palisades
And enjoyed the river view
And the hint of what’s to come
Every mile closer to
Antelope Basin, our destination,
The scenery became more and more
breathtaking!
At the 7,000 foot level
The autumn colors amaze
The aspen are changing color
From green to gold to orange
Golden grasses and blue sky
Accented the purple mountains
And created a wonderland
For this appreciative photographer
We went in and out of twelve
Or more gates to keep cattle in
They stood at the road’s edge
Unperturbed by our noisy ATVs
When you sing of purple mountain majesty
And you wonder what that might look like,
Just come to Montana and you will
Wonder no more… you’ll just be in awe!
We stopped by Hidden Lake
To rest and have our lunch
The lake is soooo beautiful
And it really is hidden down there
Chuck and Caroline relaxed with Bob
After enjoying a picnic lunch
Penny & Rex were with us
And TazE, too, of course!
Isn’t that blue sky spectacular?
And the colors of the trees glorious?
Don’t you wish you could be
In an ATV traveling with us?
‘Tis time to return to our pickups
Load up the four-wheelers
Return down to our Madison Valley
And look forward to the next trip.
Wish you could join us!
I’ll share a couple more pics tomorrow.
Have a good night.
Thanks for traveling with me vicariously!
Hugs,
JanBeek
Shalom
John 14:27
(The Living Bible translation)
[Jesus said]
“I am leaving you with a gift –
peace of mind and heart!
And the peace I give isn’t fragile
like the peace the world gives.
So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Shalom
The peace that Jesus Christ gives us is “Shalom.” It is a deep peace, filled with health and joy, security and contentment. It is a deep, lasting peace that sustains us through any circumstance. Thanks to Jesus, we can have peace with God, with one another, and with our own spirit.What a priceless gift!
1st Cor. 18:31
Peace in Quietness
In silence, I commune with my Maker each morning. In that quietness, I find strength and wisdom. In His Word, I find reassurance.
Isaiah 55:3 (KJ version)
“Incline your ear and come unto Me.
Hear and your soul shall live.”
In the stillness of the 9-11 Friday morning, Bob and I took our TazE and headed with our ATV to meet friends and spend the day communing with them and with nature.
On the road again!
In the quietness of the morning,
the roar of 5 ATV’s pierced the air.
Headed to McAtee Bridge and on to Ruby Creek,
five couples left the Madison Valley,
glanced across the landscape
to the glory of the Sphynx Mountain,
and climbed to the 9,400 ft. level
to enjoy God’s creation.
A perfect, blue sky day. We were blessed!
high enough to find snow at our favorite outhouse!
Lunch break with the Asbergs, Feldmans, and Washburns
The red rock ridges were spectacular!!
Dinner time – a BBQ at Ruby Creek Campgrounds
A beautiful spot right by the river
we had the privilege of another river view
right below Fran McNeill’s deck
would be best on that stretch of the river
at her lovely home on the river
and we enjoyed an invincible summer day together.
Psalm 46:10
“He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.”
Compassion and Gratitude
In the stillness of this Sunday afternoon, I treasure the blessings of this weekend. The time in the mountains, the camaraderie of friends, the health we enjoy, the beauty of the river, the peacefulness of cloudless blue skies. And I don’t take any of this SHALOM for granted! I know there are others whose homes and businesses are burning right now. I have a heart of compassion for those in Harm’s Way – and I pray for their safety.
Our valley is covered with smoke from fires that are ravaging this western part of the USA. I know there are people for whom “Shalom” is a distant image – a feeling they long to see return. I pray that it will. I pray that my happy pictures gave you pause to smile – and gave you hope for a blue-sky, peace-filled future.
filled with great promises.
In the midst of COVID-19 and fires,
racial injustice and political unrest,
may you find SHALOM
in your heart.
You are blessed to be a blessing –
So share your joys –
And count your blessings.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
See ya tomorrow.
Gentle Hugs <3
Shalom!
What Binds Us Together
What Binds Us Together?
A little of this
A little of that
A mountain of snow
A dog and a cat
A look through a window
At September snow
A beautiful fence line
Where horizons glow
A plate of raclette
To make my mouth water
A beautiful friend sharing dinner
With my lovely Swiss daughter
A look into hearts
From an angel’s swing
Helps us see one another
With the love we bring
If we can see others
Through an angel child’s eyes,
How much kinder this world
Would be… and how wise!
.
.
What binds us together
Like birds of a feather
Is not what you see
On a plate or the weather
What binds us together
Is the love that we share
So, let’s share it generously…
Spread your love everywhere!
What is it that binds you to your loved ones?
Of course, it’s the love… but it’s also shared interests.
How do you cultivate and grow those interests?
Think about it… and buy an extra bag of that fertilizer!
Thanks for visiting
JanBeek
See ya tomorrow.
Wish You Were Here
Hello, my blogging friends!
I wish you could be here in Montana with me.
It’s a beautiful day – and yesterday was equally as wonderful.
I took a video to share with you the gorgeous view.
Life is good!
Here’s to friendship, fresh air, and perfect views!
Love ya,
JanBeek
For the Joy
For the joy of life
I give You thanks, O my God
Thanks for Montana
For the Joy of Life
In the beautiful outdoors
Thank You, O My Lord
We thank Thee for all
The blessings You give us, Lord.
Thank Thee for Jim Reeves!
What a voice!
What a beautiful land we live in…
Let’s take care of it, okay?
Protect the animals,
the trees and flowers, and rivers,
And let’s protect one another, too.
Bob & I are so happy that we were able to sing “Happy Birthday” to our daughter, DeAna this morning. Thank God for the internet! Today is the 53rd anniversary of her birth. She is celebrating it with her son, Chris, and her choir at a retreat in the Alps. Wish we could be there to celebrate with her!
Her tongue was always out… I thought maybe we needed to have the doctor shorten it!!!
This was when she was in second grade.
made her a slip to match her own and curled her hair.
That’s becoming a big girl!!
Such a sweet and talented kid!
Yes, we are blessed!
Celebrating her birthday in Switzerland
at a choir retreat with her son, Chris.
Oh, For Blessed JOY!!!
The joy of a child’s birthday…
Always our baby!
That’s my wedding dress from 25 years earlier…
Ah, sweet memories!
What are some of the JOYS that fill your heart today, my friends?
Is it the great outdoors, the animals, the beauty of God’s creation?
Is it family and the love of staying connected in spite of this pandemic?
Tell me!
See ya tomorrow.
Thanks for visiting!!
Hugs,
JanBeek
It’s Not Fair!
Sermon Notes
August 9, 2020
Rev. Steve Hundley
Jan’s poetic notes taken while listening
to Steve’s message based on John 21:15-23
“A Side-Long Glance”
Amen!
Jesus was with His disciples on shore.
Peter thought Jesus didn’t believe him.
Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep.
The answer failed to relieve him.
Have you ever felt misunderstood?
Ever had your sincerity questioned bare?
Peter told Jesus, “You know I love You.”
Jesus had asked him three times there.
Was Jesus expecting too much of Peter?
Does He expect too much of us?
A tithe is a tenth of what you make.
The visible return’s not much to see – why fuss?
Well, Jesus expected even more than a tenth.
“What about him?” Peter asked.
Like Peter, we question others’ faith.
We want Jesus to take ’em to task.
There has to be a difference between
Faith and foolishness – so it’s not fair
Those rich folks don’t seem to give –
They don’t seem to do their share.
We cast a side-long glance across the aisle,
And we ask, as Peter did, “What about them?”
And Jesus answers us as He did Peter,
“What is it to you?” From where does fairness stem?
Jesus says, “Feed My sheep -just love!”
Your side-long glance has no place here.
You do your fair share and don’t worry about
What others do. Give, love, and have no fear.
No side-long glances allowed.
Look ahead at the One who stands
Before a hurting world and says,
“Feed My sheep in all My lands.”
Just follow Jesus –
And what will happen today?
To tell the truth, I don’t know!
Just do it anyway!!
After church today we had a barbecue. It was the kick-off of the fiscal year’s drive for finances to fund the Pastor Search Committee and to consider our pledges for the 2020-21 church budget. Jesus said, “Feed My sheep!” and these sheep were fed in grand style out on the church lawn.
Charlie and his wife, Judy, were our greeters.
Ray and Barbara enjoyed the food and fellowship.
After the church BBQ, we went to my friend, Sue’s. Her birthday is tomorrow. We needed to sing “Happy Birthday!” while we socially distanced. She and her husband are being really careful around this COVID-19 … especially with Montana’s case numbers rising. They are being kept really busy at their beautiful home. Just look at their gardens!
Sue and Jerry joined the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church on the same Sunday Bob & I did nearly 15 years ago. We have been fast friends ever since. The two of them built this gorgeous house themselves! Just this summer they added that deck outside their bedroom window on the right.
Here is the front of the house:
They lived in it for a couple of years while they built their house.
We had more than a couple cozy dinners there.
Tell me in the comments section below.
Yes, we are blessed. We live in the gorgeous Madison Valley. We have a terrific church, a wonderful pastor who gives great sermons, beautiful friends, and a picture-perfect setting with glorious August sunshine and enormous “BigSky” drama. Ah, my friends, life is good!
No need for side-long glances. Keep your eyes on your own blessings, your own giving, and your own business. No need focusing on what’s “not fair!” Remember while you’re counting your blessings to share your love with others with your whole heart!
Do have a fantastic week ahead.
Thanks for visiting
and for sharing with me the sermon
and our visit with Sue.
Happy Birthday, Sue!!
Love you, Sue!!
Virtual Hugs,
JanBeek
