I have a guardian angel Who is faithful – yes, indeed! He’s saved me from disaster, Been there for every need.
An angel guarded Angela, Our Boston Terrier pup, From dying when a rattlesnake Bit her on her butt!
You have a guardian angel Who’s watching over you. I hope that you are grateful And careful on your feet, too.
Sunday in church our pastor Read a poem that touched my heart. It conjured up my angel; Who’s compassionate and smart.
Yours is, too!! In fact, YOU may BE somebody’s angel! Serving love with glee.
“The World I Live In” Mary Oliver
God of Grace, help us to see Your angels at work among us, lighting upon the unhoused in the street, delivering cups of coffee, Ziploc bags full of toiletries, and deli sandwiches.
Help us honor Your angels with our praise and gratitude – the patient teacher, the loving parent, the determined wildfire fighter, the volunteer rescue worker, the visitor of the elderly, the sick and the imprisoned.
Give us eyes to see, O God, your angels at work and help us be among their ranks.
Click the link below and enjoy listening to Alabama sing for us “Angels Among Us.”
This is “Lucille.” Yesterday we joined 12 friends and went on a trail ride into the Gravelly Range above Antelope Basin.
Lucille is our ATV (all terrain vehicle). Because she’s a redhead on whom we have a ball, we named her after the actress/comedian, Lucille Ball.
Are you old enough to remember her?
Anyway, we met at Antelope Basin about 50 miles south-west of Ennis, and took the trails through the Gravelly Range to our destination of Hidden Lake.
It was a blue-sky-perfect day with temperatures not rising above 80 degrees. We had not been up to this site for over a year. In the meantime forest fires had ravaged the trees and changed the landscape.
This tree was lush and green last time we were here.
We stopped and chatted with our friends awhile before taking a lunch break.
Good buds: Sherry Riggs and Penny Hocking
TazE was quite interested in what Rex & Penny Hocking were getting from Linda Schott. Mmm … fresh and yummy Flathead cherries!
TazE was interested in Bob’s Cheetos, too!
After lunch we traveled on up to the lookout above Henry’s Lake.
The wildflowers were prettier than I have ever seen them this late in the summer. We had quite a wet spring and that helped!
Traveling back down, we could see our Madison Valley in the distance.
We gathered to take a group photo of our ATV friends. And then some couples and quartets, too.
Top left: Kris & Bob (CG’s cousin) with CG & Caroline Bottom left: Penny & Rex Right: Sue & Bob Welna
Here are our five ATV’s. You can see that Lucille stands out among all those earth tones!
Most of the way to and fro the trail was a road also traveled by cowboys in their pickups, tending the the cattle up in the verdant fields.
Some of the trail was rocky, steep and pretty hairy. But, we managed just fine… and I am so grateful that Bob and I both had enough stamina to enjoy the trip.
We Thank the Lord for our neighbors/friends (the Welnas and Hockings) who came to help Bob prepare Lucille for the trip, and then returned this morning to help him put her back away. God bless them!!
Maybe you’ll come join us one of these days for a Montana trail ride. Ya think?
I’d be tickled to see you!
Just give me a call and let me know when you’re coming. We’d love to see you and treat you to a Montana trail ride!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Click on the link below if you’d like to enjoy Dale Evans & Roy Rogers (my favorite cowboy) singing “Happy Trails to You.”
Keep looking ahead Don’t look backward instead Keep your balance upright And your future in sight
Don’t be in a hurry You don’t need to scurry Be ever expectant But, don’t be a contestant
We’re part of a whole Connection’s our goal Slow down and discover We can lean on each other
May your eyes look ahead And read what is said About those in distress Who live in a mess
Because they don’t pause And look at the cause Of the trouble they’re in It stems from within
They rush here and there Seldom are they aware Of the joy that’s ahead If they’d slow down instead
So keep your eyes looking up Let the calm fill your cup As you savor each day Spreading love on your way.
In his book, Ever Faithful, David Jeremiah reminded me in today’s devotional that there is something to rejoice in, give thanks for, and pray about around every curve. He referenced this scripture:
Thessalonians 5:16-18
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
David Jeremiah reminds us that looking ahead – keeping your eyes focused on the path is the important task at hand. Do not be hurried! “Real joy in life comes not to the hurried, but to the expectant- those eager for new experiences and discovery.
There are encounters, discoveries, people, events, opportunities, blessings and challenges to be found.”
Hello, dear blogging friends. It’s been a busy weekend for me. Saturday was our Ennis Arts Association Festival.
How’s the weekend been for you? What were your weekend highlights?
Saturday was a beautiful day In Ennis, Montana for our 26th annual Ennis Arts Association Madison Valley Art Festival
The Madison Valley Art Festival is an outdoor event (held rain or shine) on the historic trail between Yellowstone National Park and Virginia City, a path well-traveled by tourists visiting the state’s national parks and historic landmarks, and fly fishing on the Madison River.
Our Presbyterian Women hold their annual fundraiser at the festival. They sell baked and canned goods donated by the MV Presbyterian Church members. There were three tables full of goodies, but by 2:00 pm, this is all that was left! We enjoyed the left-overs at fellowship after church today!
The Li’l Hog Pit had a wonderful menu and they served the record crowd with efficiency and delicious food. We’re grateful to Benny and her hubby for their expertise and availability.
Bob enjoyed his lunch with our friends, Bonny & Joel.
From 10: am to 5:00 pm, the Tune Tanglers provided music for the art enthusiasts. We’re grateful for their shared talent! They spread the gospel message with their musical choices as well as good ole western songs.
Artists such as talented painter, Kathleen Van Driessche, come from far and near. We had 61 artists in 54 booths this year. Something for everyone!
I walked around and admired all the paintings, pottery, photography displays, jewelry, woodworking, metal sculptures, etc.
If I wasn’t saving my money for or upcoming Swiss trip, I might have convinced Bob to get this wooden vase (with a glass insert) for me. I love it!
But the price tag said, “Not this year, Jan!”
As the afternoon wore on, the shade was especially appreciated. We had an unusually calm day (without our typical Madison Valley wind) and the temperatures reached into the 90s.
We were happy to return home to our home where we had opened it up to the cool (50 degree) night air and closed it up during the day. Ah, God is good! Life is good! Praise Him for our artists, musicians, Ennis Art Association workers who set up and took down, and all the people who came out to support the event.
Maybe next year you can plan to come join us for the last weekend in July. Ya think?
The joy that’s comin’ Is here if you’re hummin’ Git yer guitar and start strummin’ Yer smile’s quite becommin’
I found the beauty today In weeds I saw along the way. Many folks would probably say Pull ’em out – or douse ’em with spray!
Joy is a part o’ yer make-up. It’s inside ya ready to take up Residence and cause a shake-up; So smile and light yer face up!
And a joyful face is good medicine fir others!
Just let yer heart glow With the joy that ya know Is inside; Let it show! Let yer love flow.
Luke 8:16
A Lamp on a Stand
16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”
I let my light shine. It’s part of my design. Lips aren’t a straight line – They should curve up real fine!
Smilin’ makes ya feel better; So, my friends, be a trend setter! Turn off sorrow; don’t be a fretter. You look so much better when you SMILE!
Let yer joy be real clear. Share it with those you hold dear. Give it to those far and near Who need your brand of cheer.
Picture it radiating And wiping out all hating. Picture it pulsating And erasing what’s frustrating.
Yup, this bears repeating:
Joy is a part o’ your make-up. It’s inside ya ready to take up Residence and cause a shake-up; So smile and light yer face up!
Bob is an angel who is here for me. It took a few minutes of screaming his name To wake him from his nap, but I could see him there … And when he heard me, how quickly he came!
Yes, my friends, angels are among us. We need to open our hearts and our eyes To see and to feel them around us. Mine’s trying to teach me to be more wise!
In Hebrews 13:2, Paul said, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” That verse leads us to wonder if angels appear to us in human form at times. We know that they appeared to many in human form in the Bible. [See Genesis 18:2].
You may be blessed to have an angel living with you all the time, too!
Thank you, Sweet Bob – For being my constant angel!
I’ve been telling myself – and you – to have faith, To step out in faith and begin a new journey. I’ve been telling myself to lean in and listen To what God is whispering to me.
Well, He has been telling me to slow down. “Stop and watch where you are going. Slow down and move more intentionally. Sit in the boat awhile – enjoy how life’s flowing.”
Looks like I did that for awhile, right? But then I stepped on shore, running – Flitting from one spot to the next, I didn’t stop to just enjoy the sunning!
In April I fell and broke a finger. In June I tripped and bruised my knee. And yesterday I fell over backward – Needed stitches to the head – Woe is me!!
Not a pretty sight!
I was dashing from garage to house Carrying groceries in three sacks. I couldn’t see my feet, so missed the step, Lost my balance, and fell flat on my back!
My head hit the hitch on the trailer And gashed my scalp an inch wide, Two inches long – requiring 8 stitches- More hurt than my head was my pride!
So the Lord said, “Third time’s the charm. Be humble and listen to me please. Be wise about what you carry and where you step – People can die with falls like these!”
Okay, dear God, I got the message! Slow down and watch where you walk! Carry with your good hand, not your left… Eyes open, steps secure, mind your own talk!
I’m sharing this advice with you, friends, Because I hope you are wiser than I. I hope you don’t have to have three mishaps Before you heed the warning and comply!
SLOW DOWN AND WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING!!
My Daughter#2, Laina, sent me this poem after hearing this morning about what happened:
Oh my! Remember this? About a year ago… Walked into the closing hatchback on our car!! Slow learner I am!
Yes, indeed! I need to slow down and watch where I’m going… How about you??
Life is a wonderful journey Of ups and overs and downs It’s filled with joy and sorrow With more smiles (I pray) than frowns!
As I travel this road of life, I weather the storms and bumps I look for roses and buttercups And try to jump over the humps
I look for butterflies and bees And appreciate the beauty I see I share the joy and the peace That God daily gives to me.
Our WordPress friends share their joy with us everyday. For example: Roth Poetry.com posted about butterflies today. He wrote:
“I just could not help myself today, when I saw these beautiful butterflies on my Zinnias. I kept shooting and shooting. and they stayed around flitting from flower to flower, poetry in motion! With my 200mm zoom, I was able to focus all the way in on them. These are some of the most beautiful butterflies I have seen!
Beauty flits lightly from yellow to red buffet Basking in sunshine
Life is a journey of beauty Take time to allow it to sink in Don’t let the ugliness and discord Make your vision a stink-in!
There’s plenty of garbage out there It’s not what God asks us to see God says to focus on the beauty There’s plenty of it in you and me!
Don’t let anyone tell you You’re not up for this journey!
You might have to take a few pit stops, you might get a flat tire here and there, you might go through a few thunderstorms, but through all your experiences, fruit is being built. You are becoming stronger, and your faith and reliance on God is growing.
I hope when you click on this link, you can hear this wonderful song by Jake Owen.
Laugh a lot and keep it light Let sorrow just roll off your back Turn a blind eye to the ugly sites And give the love that others lack
“And no matter what dreams you’re chasing, Never get above your raising. May the simple things be amazing On the journey of your life.”
Treasure the journey!
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”
Years ago I wrote a poem that was published in the International Library of Poetry annual publication. The title of the book in 2002 was “Chasing Revelation.” My poem was titled, “Have Faith and Step Out.” You can find it here: https://janbeek.blog/2020/01/02/have-faith-and-step-out/ It is as poignant in my life today as it was 20 years ago… maybe more so. How about you? Does it apply? Are you up for the next step of your journey?
janbeek 