Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘music’

Embrace Birthdays (stay 39!)


Dear Friends,

I really appreciate all the Happy Birthday wishes extended my way this past weekend. Thank you so much!

Even though I am happy to tell you I am starting my 83rd year on earth, I am also happy to tell you that I am a fan of Jack Benny. Now, if you are too young to remember who Jack Benny was (or you are in another country where Jack Benny was not a nationally known figure), let me tell you: Jack Benny was a comedian who embraced 39 – and decided to stay that age forever more!

Actually, I embrace aging (I wrote a blog using that title once) – I I have no desire to be stuck at 39 or any other age.

How about you?

http://www.janbeek.blog/embrace-aging

Each year brings new insights. Each year brings new joys. Each year brings new challenges. I don’t want to miss any of them.

How about you?

“Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.”

Each day I pray for wisdom. Each day I ask God to increase my understanding and I thank the Holy Spirit for the fruits of the spirit that are mine: LOVE, JOY AND PEACE. And I ask God to help me with the other fruits of the spirit: patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… those that I work to increase as I mature in my faith.

How about you?

As I gather up those birthdays and mature in my faith, I remember to keep a child-like spirit. Enjoy that song. Sing it often. Teach it to your grandchildren. Sing it with your great-grandchildren. Put it in your heart.

You can’t be a lemon or a grape if you wanna be a fruit of the spirit!! Who wants to grow up to be a lemon anyway?

Work on that patience, Jan … your great-grandchildren need to see you model it! And your grand-dog needs you to exercise that gentleness and kindness, too. Ain’t always easy.

How about you?

My great-grandson, Xander, needs my love and joy,
and I need patience, kindness and gentleness in abundance!

On my birthday, Ty (our son) and Bob went out fishing (not catching… just fishing) … and that required a lot of patience! I went along for the joy of the ride. It was cool on the water in the morning, but the afternoon warmed up.

That evening Ty and our daughter-in-law, Monika, Bob & I went in to Bozeman for dinner and dessert. We had a delightful time at a table out front of “Hooked Sushi” enjoying the music being played down the sidewalk a half a block, and the people and dogs walking by. Such fun!

Only in a college town would you find this kind of vibrancy. I love it!

We went after dinner to a very popular ice cream store … and had great fun with some college students who were in line ahead of us. Look at this cute kid! (Ya, I had fun teasing him …)

Bob, our new friend, Jan (me), Monika & Ty –
Pretty sky, huh?
That’s our son, Ty, with me
We enjoyed the fun of chatting with our son & Moni while we waited.
Back home we found a wonderful
bottle of wine waiting for us –
a gift from our dear neighbors.
Thank you, Charlie & Janet!
Birthday roses from my granddaughter –
Thank you, Hope and Drew!
Flowers from our friends, Kathy & Ron-
with a really cute card!
Such fun! So nice of them!
Happy Birthday wishes from our #2 daughter, Laina…
I loved hearing her sing to me – from Maryland to Montana ❤
And our #1 daughter, DeAna, sang Happy Birthday and
sent us a picture of her beautiful flowers at
their restaurant in Switzerland.
Lovely, huh?

Sunday afternoon Bob, Ty & Monika went kayaking/paddleboarding while TazE & I found a shady spot and relaxed.

TazE found some cool grass and took a nap until…
Eloise and her Grandma Susie came.
With such good company, I put my book aside
and TazE left the shade to get acquainted.
It was a smokey day in the Madison Valley…
Lots of forest fires in the area –
and the wind blows the smoke into our
little piece of Paradise on Earth.

You can barely see the mountains outlined back there… not a typically beautiful day on Ennis Lake. Pray for the forest fires to be contained and the firefighters to be safe!

My friend, Caroline Feldman, took this photo
at Ennis Lake last year with the swans clustered.
Here’s my photo taken from that same area
at Ennis Lake last winter…
See, you’re supposed to see the mountains!
Meantime, the paddleboarders returned –
And we returned home
to enjoy our last evening together.
Ty & Monika left this morning…
Thank you, Dear Ones,
for coming to help make
my 82nd birthday so memorable and special.
Now TazE and I are stretched out,
relaxing, and looking forward to an evening
watching the Olympic swimmers.

What are you doing this Monday evening besides surfing the net?

It was a very Happy Birthday…
Forever 39 at heart…
Thanks to all the friends who sent greetings.
I love you!

See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, blessings, children, Faith, Family, flowers, food, Gratitude, happiness, Love, Montana, music, pets, relationships

Tagged with:

Embrace Borrowing


Today I read a story that so inspired me that I borrowed it. I hope Alicia Bruxvoort doesn’t mind!

I posted a link to it on my FB page and I am embedding it here for your enjoyment and inspiration.

Do take time to read it. You will be glad you did… and then put on your Jesus glasses and see the world, your life, and others through the eyes of love and grace!

https://aliciabruxvoort.net/the-best-thing-you-can-borrow-today/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-thing-you-can-borrow-today&utm_term=2021-07-22

Thank you, Alicia, for sharing your writing talent and your faith with us.
God bless you!

Picking up on that theme of “Jesus, I Wanna See What You See,”
I decided to check out You.Tube for “Seeing Through God’s Eyes.”

Look at what I found…
this is an amazing video –
Guaranteed to help you apply
the ideas Alicia shared in her story!

Yes, as Alicia concluded,
“We can just see better when we borrow our Father’s eyes.”

As you embrace borrowing,
what have you read or seen or heard lately
that you can pass along to inspire others?

Hope you’re having a beautiful Thursday.
See ya tomorrow…

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Faith, Giving, happiness, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, music, respect, Serving One Another, Sharing, writing

Tagged with:

Embrace Opportunities


Make life exciting
Embrace Opportunities
Have your “YES!” ready.

Photo by Adrienne Andersen on Pexels.com

Keep your heart open –
Embrace the unexpected.
Surprises are fun!

An Unexpected call
from a group of bicyclists
traveling 4000 miles for cancer research
caused our pastor to say, “Yes!”

They biked to Ennis, Montana,
had showers and their dinner
at our pastor’s home, and then
spent the night in our
Madison Valley Presbyterian Church.

What a blessing for them and for us!

When we are open
To bring blessings to others,
We’re blessed in return.

This week our son, Ty,
And his dear wife, Monika,
Are spending time here.

Blessed by their presence,
Seizing opportunities,
We build family bonds.


Ty & Monika

Saying “Yes!” to friends,
Being open to family,
Reaps blessings galore.

Open up your heart
Let all joyous love come in
You’ll be glad you did!

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you,
that you love one another:
just as I have loved you,
you also are to love one another.


So with every chance,
Reach out to one another –
Love with abandon!

Opportunities
Abound in this world of ours –
Keep an open heart!

Listen for guidance
Let opportunities shine
And lead you forward!

I’ll say “Yes Lord,
Yes Lord! All the way.”
Embrace Opportunities!

Amen!

God bless you!
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Haiku, kindness, Living in Harmony, Love, music, Serving One Another

Tagged with:

Embrace Your Pastor


Embrace Your Pastor.
He or she needs your support –
And needs your feedback!

Photo by Binyamin Mellish on Pexels.com

Your pastor plants seeds
With each sermon presented.
You fertilize them.

You add nutrients
To the soil where they’re resting
By watering them.

Water the ideas
By ruminating on them.
What was the message?

Each week I take notes.
I capture the main ideas
As they resonate.

Today’s seeds that Pastor Mary Grace Reynolds sowed were inspired by Ephesians 2:11-22 and enhanced by the experience she had Friday night and Saturday morning with a group of young bicyclists who were traveling 4000 miles for cancer research. Here are my notes that I took while listening this morning.

TENACITY

Serving 400 hours as a hospital chaplain
Was required in my seminary studies.
Why God – why? What’s the answer?
With integrity and stamina, just serve!

Ephesians 2 is not about empty connections.
It’s talking about the death of our worst instincts.
It’s talking about getting on board with Christ.
Paul believed Christ would come back yesterday!

We’re still here thousands of years later…
Wondering when that victory over death
And division will come to this earth.
The Kingdom of God didn’t come in Paul’s time.

It hasn’t come in our time, either.
Addictions, abuse, fires, death, wars continue.
Where is the world where all divisions are erased?
We’re here to put our feet on the ground and be hopeful.

Moments of hope will come to you.
The U of Austin bike riders were my moment.
Stories of lodging needs and cancer research,
Tenacity, friendship, and HOPE scenarios entered.

Hope is a screamer and fighter.
Sometimes it works out for the good.
HOPE is the reality that God is love.
Evil will not win. God’s hope will!

Say YES to what pulls on your heartstrings.
Say YES to the reality of God’s hope.
Say YES to Truth and love and reaching out.
Say YES to cancer research and to helping.

Every inch gained in the fight against cancer
Is an inch toward life and hope.
We are building the Kingdom of God here
Where violence and oppression will be foreign to us.

With tenacity, hang in there.
With tenacity listen to God’s response to
Your questioning… Why God? Why?
With tenacity and stamina and love, just serve!

Amen


Let’s just grow flowers of love.

Embrace Your Pastor.
He or she needs your support –
And needs your feedback!

Happy Sunday.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow (God willing).

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, flowers, Giving, God, Haiku, happiness, Jesus, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, Poetry, sermon notes, Serving One Another, writing

Tagged with:

Embrace Trust


Do you embrace trust?
In whom do you place your trust?
The Lord says, “Trust Me!”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Luke 8:25

Then He said to His disciples, “Why can’t you trust Me?”

Are you facing strife?
Is life full of challenges?
Where do you place trust?

Do you have answers –
Solutions all by yourself?
Independence sucks!

Interdependence
Is what the Lord asks of us.
Put your hand in His!

Photo by mododeolhar on Pexels.com

When you reach to Him,
Count on His hand there for you.
Invest time with God.

Commit to trust Him.
Recount His great faithfulness.
Put away your doubts.

Give God something small.
Then allow yourself to trust
Him with bigger things.

Psalm 91 is a profound reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God. It’s a strong reminder of God’s loving care and protection. It is a call to trust in God, even in the midst of danger. The Psalmist reminds us of the safest place:

Psalm 91:1

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the Shadow of the Almighty.”

Bob and I are facing some challenging situations these days related to his health, our own home improvements, and church property decisions. We are not alone in facing these dilemmas, but opinions of others can often be conflicting. The Bible tells us that we must put our trust in the one who stills the waters. Lay our souls bare before the Lord and listen for His mighty word… Watch for His guidance … Seek His counsel.

Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

Often the road to answers has a fork in it.
Knowing which path to take requires
discernment,
openness,
and
trust.

Who do you trust?

How do you find the voice of reason?

Share your answers with me!

Sometimes you are the light
He provides!

See ya tomorrow (God willing).
Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, Family, God, Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, Poetry, relationships, Sharing

Tagged with:

Embrace Reaching Out


Photo by Swapnil Sharma on Pexels.com

Embrace Reaching Out.
Who needs to feel your kind touch?
He or she’s not far.

Photo by mododeolhar on Pexels.com

Within easy reach
Is a person who needs you –
Send out your feelers!

I feel too often
Advice suggests self-support:
Take time for yourself.

Self is limited.
Don’t overlook reaching out.
We need each other!

Love one another.
Reach out to friends near and far.
Give – as you’ve received.

Embrace Reaching Out!
Reach further – deeper!
Reach out to the suffering.

Photo by Kat Jayne on Pexels.com

Reach to the hurting.
Find the silent, hungry ones…
Too proud to get help.

Donate to Food Banks.
Support the reliable
Organizations.

Be someone’s answer.
Your arms can find the needy.
Embrace Reaching Out!

Hands willing to help –
and arms ready to hug. you ..
I am here to help.
Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

I am here for you.
My heart can reach forever.
Embrace Reaching Out!

I will do my part –
Reaching is a two-way street –
You need to reach back!


I’ll be there for you
With the love to see you through.
Reach out, friends, to me!

And – as always, friends,
I encourage you to reach
Always to our God!

Your love,
Lord,
reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

Psalm 36:5
God already has reached you!

God Bless You, my friends.
I am reaching out for you now…
Feel the love!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, friendship, God, Haiku, kindness, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, music, Poetry, relationships

Tagged with:

Embrace Stepping Out


Photo by Andrew Neel on Pexels.com

Have Faith and Step Out

Don’t overlook your life’s importance
or minimize its worth.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on
an allowance or Social Security.
No matter where you are in life,
you have so much to give.

The vital part of your life
never disappears or fades away.
Each of us is vital to God.
He gives us the courage to go out and live,
to heed His call, and step out in faith
on a new journey today.

In faithful obedience, lean forward
to hear Him. He doesn’t shout.
His call is quiet and personal.
Get serious. Listen carefully.
Are you up for a new journey?
Have faith and step out!

I wrote the poem, “Have Faith and Step Out” in 2002 while we were still living in California. I had officially retired from teaching in 1999, but daily I was looking for new direction, new purpose, new adventures. The International Library of Poetry published the poem in its 2002 Anthology of Poetry and sent me a dozen greeting cards with the poem printed on the front of them. Today I am using one of those cards for a friend who is stepping onto a new path.

The poem has become more meaningful in the nearly 20 years since its creation. The older I am, the more I realize, “No matter where you are in life, you have so much to give.” Your age doesn’t matter. Your place doesn’t matter. What matters is your mindset, your faith, your motivation.

It’s OK to be petrified.
Sometimes God takes us to
the edge of adventures
where we feel unprepared.
With faith,
He will remove our fear,
put us on a bridge,
and send us the Light to follow.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Quote from Deuteronomy 31:6

Today Bob is out on Lucille (our red-headed ATV on which we have a “Ball”)
with his former student, Victor, who is visiting from Alabama.
Victor was Bob’s wrestling student back in the 1970’s.
He reminded us that Bob also was
his Drivers Education teacher.
They are on an adventure –
going to a lake above Sheridan.
Our Boston, TazE, is with them.
Ah, yes, step out in faith.
Have fun!

Where He leads me,
I will follow!

Remember,
no matter where you are in life,
you have so much to give.

Where are you being called to go today?
What are you being called to do?
Whatever it is, step out in faith.
He will give you grace and glory…
He’ll be with you all the way!

Have a Fabulous Friday!

Love and Hugs,
In Faith,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Bible Lessons, Faith, Giving, God, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, optimism, Poetry, Promises, relationships, writing

Tagged with:

Embrace Steadfastness


When you hear the word “steadfastness,” what comes to mind?

Photo by Joshua Miranda on Pexels.com

Steadfastness comes from the root word, STEADY.
I watched our family in Tahoe last month
play that game that tests how steady your hands are
and how skilled you are at choosing
what can be removed from the wooden pyramid
without toppling the whole thing over.

Photo by Joshua Miranda on Pexels.com

The collegiate definition of steadfast is:

“firmly fixed in place”
or
“not subject to change”
or
“firm in belief, determination, or adherence”

Synonyms for steadfastness include:

constant,
dedicated,
devoted,
devout,
faithful,
fast,
steady,
and
true.

So, when I think of the word steadfastness,
I think of faithfulness and dedication.
I think of forever friends who stick by us
– always there for us in good times and bad.
I think of marriage –
-the ones that last
– and I am grateful for Bob’s steadfastness.

As a Man of God,
Bob has exhibited for nearly 60 years
the steadfastness of the Lord
in our marriage.
I am so grateful that God steered me
in Bob’s direction when it was time
to choose a partner for life.
I can substitute Bob’s name
for God’s name in this hymn –
because Bob’s steadfastness
has been so Christ-like.
I truly am blessed!

I am grateful that our families (both Bob’s and mine) set an example of faithfulness for us. There have been no divorces among our parents or grandparents for as far back as we can trace our roots. Likewise, our current families have set an example of faithfulness for our children and grandchildren.

Our son, Ty, and his wife, Monika will celebrate 32 years of marriage this September.

Our daughter, DeAna, and her husband, Andre’
have just celebrated their 34th anniversary.
Here are Bob & me 34 years ago at her wedding.



The dress she wore was my dress 25 years earlier – and she was married in the same University of Pacific chapel where Bob & I were wed. The steadfastness of family and traditions makes God smile, I’m sure.

Are you smiling, too?

This image represents steadfastness to me.

The pillar is our faith –
and the ropes are us –
connected through faith
for a lifetime and eternity
– together –
firm in belief, determination, and adherence!


When you
EMBRACE STEADFASTNESS
and consider the application of that word
in your life and acquaintances,
what image comes to your mind?



Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Faith, Family, God, Gratitude, happiness, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, relationships

Tagged with:

Embrace Morning Light


Embrace Morning Light
Streaming brightly through windows
Every day is new


Embrace Morning Light
Let it follow you inside
It illuminates

Embrace the Sunlight
Appreciate its brightness
Flowers follow it

Flowers turn to find
Sustenance in the Sunlight
We should turn also

Turn to the Maker
Of sun and light and wisdom
Let His LIght lead you

Psalm 43:3

“O send out your light and your truth;
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling.”

Go out in the Light.
Have a sun-filled day, my friends.
Where will the Light lead?

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, flowers, God, Haiku, Living in Christ's Family, Love, mental health, Montana, mountains, music, nature, optimism, peace, Poetry, prayer

Tagged with:

Embrace Freedom


God Bless America
Land of the Free…

God Bless America,
My home sweet home.
From Detroit to Houston
From San Francisco to New York,
It’s time to say,
“I love this land!”

There’s nothing like
a good ole hometown parade…
Celebrating our freedom –
Celebrating our love of this land.

Our little town of a thousand
Saw about 20,000 pour in today
To watch our old fashioned parade.
It’s like stepping back 50 years!

No fancy floats worth thousands
With hundreds of hours donated
To create a great big splash…
No sireee! Just good ole home-spun fun!

The Grand Marshalls were ladies
From the Madison Valley Woman’s Club
Celebrating one hundred years of
Service to this wonderful community.

You know you’re in Montana when
The town’s physician and his wife
Enter the parade on horseback
Celebrating their equine family!

Thanks, RJ and Andy!

We’re so blessed to have the MVMC
(Madison Valley Medical Center)
In our little community… so blessed!
Our nurses and doctors’ kids donned the float.

Bob & I had the fun of front row seats
Because our friends who live
Right on the parade route invited us to join them.
Main Street would not have allowed us these views!

Barbara & Roy … Thank you!

Their darling grandkids kept us entertained
As they watched the parade, too –
And ran to gather up the candy
That some of the participants threw to us!

We saw vehicles of every kind,
Decorated with flags and competing
To be chosen as the most unique
Or most beautiful, or most aged.

The Shriners are annual participants
Businesses used this parade
as an opportunity to advertise.
Ray Easter is a mainstay in our parade…
A native of Ennis – a rare breed, indeed!
Wouldn’t be complete without ponies!
The children love this little guy!
Puppies for Patriots
Maybe you can put Ennis, Montana
on your calendar for July 4, 2022.
Come and enjoy the fun!
I think it was 2019 when our daughters,
De & Laina, were able to be here.
Of course, we missed the parade
in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Maybe they can return to enjoy this holiday with us next year!

So nice to have this fun event back again
And the weather cooperated.
Parade was 10: to 11:30 and the
Rain didn’t come until later this afternoon!

Rain? Yup, surprise!
It was not predicted…
.
.

If you’re in the USA,
what did you do to celebrate
this special Independence Day today?

In another country?
Do you have parades like this?

Time for dinner…
Thanks for celebrating with us!

See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Animals, children, Family, holidays, Love, Montana, music, peace

Tagged with:

Tag Cloud

%d bloggers like this: