Loving One Another

Posts tagged ‘peace’

What a Friend!


Today I received in my “Messages” a picture of a dear friend who is fighting cancer. She is in a hospital bed at home. Her family is gathered around and her BFF (best friend forever) is on her way to be at her bedside. My heart goes out to the BFF and to my friend’s husband and children. Seeing a friend preparing to leave this earth is soooo hard!

But, my dear friend is a devoted Christian, and she knows where she is headed. She does not fear death, because she has a friend in Jesus – and she believes in God and His promises. It’s comforting to know where you will spend eternity. It’s just hard on those left behind.

Today’s sermon at Madison Valley Presbyterian Church was the perfect topic for this day when my heart is aching because my dear friend and her family are suffering.

Today we had a guest minister, Phil Taylen. Here are my

Sermon Notes on: “Friendship Sharing”

Friendship is a special thing.
In it we all are connected.
In the New Testament, we see how
In God’s friendship, we all are protected.

The best part of friendship is
Sharing with each other the Good News,
Asking one another and telling them
Of how Jesus opens new views.

God cares about our friendship.
He opens His arms to you.
Through Christ, He came to show us
How to love as He loves: True.

As believers, we need YES faces;
Our countenance should show Trust.
God’s light should shine through us.
Radiate His love; We MUST!

To communicate God’s love
We must be trustworthy and fair.
We must share our eternal vision,
And tell our friends we’ll all be there!*

(*there is our eternal home
with Christ and one another)

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

Share the simplicity of scripture,
Be sure the promise of God is heard.
He gave His only begotten Son
To save our souls. Believe His Word!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus!

Lean on Him and His promises.
Know that when your Christian friends
Leave this earth, they are going
To heaven … where eternal life never ends.

See you “there,” my friends!

See ya tomorrow.

Pray for my friend, Gloria, will you?
And I pray for you…
that you have faith in His promises, too.
Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, Family, friendship, God, Jesus, Life and Death, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, Promises, relationships, sermon notes, truth

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World Mental Health Day


Today is World Mental Health Day.
How is your mental health?

The Bible is full of wisdom that applies to mental health.
Romans 12:18 is a perfect example.
Living in peace with everybody includes
Living in Peace with YOURSELF!

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Some people live in a self-imposed prison,
Locking themselves behind bars of self-hate;
They fail to see the self that God created.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

We all get those days that we just don’t feel good enough. Everything goes wrong. For me, I go to the bible to read the words of God. His personal dialog for us is filled with encouragement, hope, and lessons from which we can learn. Here are my top ten verses that uplift and impact me when I’m at the lowest of lows:

1. Philippians 4:13:


I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.

2. Psalm 46:5

God is within her, she will not fall.

3. Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

4. Psalm 28:76

The Lord is my strength and my shield.

5. 1 Corinthians 25:10

By the grace of God, I am what I am.

6. Romans 5:8

I loved you at your darkest.

7. Psalm 62:5-6

Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on Him. God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure.

8. 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

9. 1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

10. 2 Chronicles 20:15

The battle is not ours, but God’s.

Keys to Positive Mental Health

The link below to an article by Brittany Morgan offers ten keys to mental health that worked for her. I found the article to be greatly inspiring. Among her ten ideas that resonated most with me was #1:

1. Unfollowed ‘energy vampires’ on all social media platforms

This one might need a little explaining, so bear with me. An energy vampire is basically anyone who comes into your life and drains you of your positive energy. (Or, any energy in general, for that matter.) I’ve been unlucky enough, as I’m sure you have as well, to meet several of these energy vampires in real life. I’ve decided this past year to unfollow any and all energy vampires on all of my forms of social media, and you should, too.

Life is too short to expend any extra energy on perpetually negative people.


If you agree with her thinking on that idea,
you may want to click the link below
to see the other nine points she makes.

10 Things I’ve Done For My Mental Health Since Last Year’s World Mental Health Day

So much can happen in 365 days.

Brittany Morgan Oct 09, 2020 National Writers Society

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels.com

On Mental Health Day,
I wish you great peace and joy.
Let God take your cares.

Lift them up to Him
And let them just float away;
Replace them with love –

With LOVE for yourself –
Remember your Creator
Made you to be loved.

When LOVE is poured out,
The empty cup returns full!
God replaces it.

Remember you are a Child of God!!

Put your hand in the hand of the One who stilled the waters
Put your hand in the hand of the One who calmed the seas
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently
Put your hand in the hand of the Man from Galilee!

Don’t miss this wonderful song from 1970…
One of my favorites!!

Play it again!! Sing along!
Put your hand in God’s hand
And have a peace-filled
World Mental Health Day.

Bye for now.
See ya tomorrow.

Tell me how you’re doing today.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, children, contentment, Faith, God, Haiku, happiness, health, learning, Life's Challenges, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, self-acceptance, self-esteem, writing

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Montana Art Walk


Yesterday was the last of the Ennis, Montana Art Walks for 2020. I attended three gallery’s showings and enjoyed seeing several artists at work. I thought you might enjoy walking along with me. So, here we go…

Peggy and Frank Giblin own this gallery.
Artist, Sherrill Gold’s “Wolf.”
Sherry’s paintings of animals are my favorites.
The art on display was for sale.
Here is more of Sherry’s work.
Gerry Mooney and Patsy Eckert chatted at the refreshments table.
Gerry is an extraordinary photographer
and Patsy’s watercolors are wonderful!

Leaving the Cattleman’s Gallery, I proceeded to Gallery 287 owned by Cathy Toot.

Sue Kinn-Brown was there,
working on her pottery.
Sue is an active member
(the vice-president)
of our Ennis Arts Association
EAA.
I don’t know this gentleman’s name,
but I love the glass art of fish.
Fun to see the weaver at work.
A lovely display of necklaces
A belt buckle for every occasion
One of my favorite cowboy paintings
I think this painting of cows is by Margie Reck, another of our EAA members.
I like it, don’t you?
I love the way Margaret Casolara embosses the spoons.
I have one of these with bees on it!
BK was set up to make jewelry right there.
BJ Goodman demonstrated her felt pillow art.
Beautiful stuff!! I love that rooster.

Before the Art Walk on that busy Friday, I participated in a rally on the lawn by our Ennis fisherman at the town’s triangle. Some of the local Democratic candidates were there waving flags and holding up signs with about 25 of us patriotic Madison Valley residents. It was time to “Put your body where your mouth is!” Just putting your money out there to support the candidates of your choice is not enough – ever – but particularly this election year. We need to be brave enough to advocate for our blue candidates in this red state!

A group picture was taken earlier. I wonder if it will appear in our local newspaper?

We waved our flags, smiled at passersby and motorists, and gave thumbs up. Many returned our smiles and honked their horns and gave us a return thumbs up. About 1/3 gave us a thumbs down. Another portion just drove by avoiding eye contact or any kind of reaction. Fortunately I only received one middle-finger-salute!

I figure that guy who gave me the F-U sign was probably the same one who wrote and posted this sign.

And with that, I conclude my “Art Walk” with you.
I hope you enjoyed it…
and you are having a Stupendous Saturday.
What are you doing to “Walk the Talk” in your world today?

See ya later.
Love, JanBeek
(and Bob, too)

Peace and Joy to you, my friends!
Enjoy this gorgeous rendition of “Let there be Peace on Earth.”
(The second half is a little boy’s gorgeous voice. So enchanting!)
Let me walk with you in perfect harmony!

Category:

art, children, friendship, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, music, peace

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Smile


Smile when your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
Though there are clouds in the sky
You’ll get by – if you’ll just smile!

Do you know that song?
I’ll share it with you …
Along with some things
that made me smile today:

Everyone needs a blue-footed booby for a smile!
And I dare you to look at this cross-eyed owl trying to see that ladybug – and not smile!!
This snowy egret got its feathers ruffled over SOMEthing!
I used to have a pet goat when I was a kid. This one made me smile big time!
But before I tuck in, I told you I’d share that song with you.
It’s not the current version of “Smile” by Katy Perry.
It’s the version from the 1950s when I was a kid!
Here it is. Smile!
Nat King Cole had a voice described as “Liquid Velvet.”
This is one of his songs that I loved the most.
Its message is so important for us in this world today.

You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you’ll just smile!

Hug each other tight.
Like these rainbow lorikeets

Good night, my friends.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek.
See ya tomorrow.

Category:

Animals, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, mental health, music, pets, prayer, relationships

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Are You Fully Dressed?


Are you fully dressed?
Have you cloaked yourself in love?
Dressed in quiet time?

Photo by murat esibatir on Pexels.com
Photo by Elizaveta Kozorezova on Pexels.com

Is your brain engaged
In the hush of the morning?
Still and communing?

Photo by Flickr on Pexels.com

Isaiah 55:3
King James version

“Incline your ear,
and come unto me,
hear,
and your soul shall live.”

Photo by Breston Kenya on Pexels.com


In the quietness, I find my strength.
In silence, I commune with my Maker.
Sustained peacefulness covers me
And I tune in to God as my pacer.

.

Photo by Tembela Bohle on Pexels.com

We must cloak each day
In the hush of quiet time.
Listen to the Lord.

Then we really hear
Our God’s infinite wisdom.
We’re completely dressed.

Let the Lord come in
And visit with you today.
He is there waiting!

The words to this are soooo beautiful!
Listen to the music and see the words
on this next video…
Sing along and. be inspired!
Thanks for dropping by.
I hope you are fully dressed…
And ready to share your quiet center
with all who enter.

Have an awesome week.
See all the things that really matter…
Be at peace and really see.
See ya tomorrow.
Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Haiku, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, truth

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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!

Thank you, Ty, for this
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.

Jan, TazE and Bob
On the road again!
Caroline Feldman Photography

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.

McAtee Bridge over the Madison River
The Talc Mine
Barn near McAtee
See the mountains of talc ahead of us?
Up, up we went to the look out – high above the valley floor.
A perfect, blue sky day. We were blessed!
Up we climbed –
high enough to find snow at our favorite outhouse!
Time for a picnic
Lunch break with the Asbergs, Feldmans, and Washburns
The trail to Black Butte
Pictures don’t do it justice!
The red rock ridges were spectacular!!
Don Asberg & Barbara Washburn
Dinner time – a BBQ at Ruby Creek Campgrounds
Barb Asberg with Charley Brown and me –
A beautiful spot right by the river
And then Saturday afternoon
we had the privilege of another river view
Steve Hundley fishing the Madison
right below Fran McNeill’s deck
Bob & Steve discussed which flies
would be best on that stretch of the river
Steve enjoyed his time on the river
Elaine Hundley and I enjoyed visiting with Fran McNeill
at her lovely home on the river
Fran has this plaque on her wall –
and we enjoyed an invincible summer day together.

Psalm 46:10

“He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.”

Another of Fran’s plaques

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.

Another of Fran’s plaques…
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 ❤
Shalom!

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, Fishing, friendship, God, Gratitude, happiness, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, peace, pets, prayer, relationships, Travel

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A Day to Remember


This is a day to remember –
Remember the lives lost on 9-11-2001.
Remember the heroes who risked –
Risked their own lives to save others.

Today is a day to acknowledge
We as a nation are not impenetrable.
I used to think we were;
I used to think wars were someplace else.

Now I know wars rage right here.
Wars rage in our hearts and homes.
Wars rage on our streets.
Wars don’t need tanks and guns.

Wars are acts of hatred and violence
Against those we wish to oppress.
Wars rage where love is absent.
Love is the only way to douse wars.

So today, remember the feeling
Of fright and disbelief – – – the horror.
Remember how we came together
Joined hands as a nation to help.

And let’s do it again!
Let’s join hands to save our souls.
Let’s reach out to heal our wounds.
Let’s just love one another.

Never forget 9-11
Never let it happen again!

Category:

Life and Death, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, Memories, peace, Poetry, relationships

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Is Your Cross Too Heavy?


Photo by Vitu00f3ria Santos on Pexels.com

Thank you, Vitu Santos for this wonderful photo.
It speaks volumes to me…
and it exhibits to me
the message of today’s sermon…

Today’s sermon notes

At the Madison Valley Presbyterian Church in Ennis, MT today,
Rev. Steve Hundley delivered his sermon titled, “Is Your Cross Too Heavy?”
The Lord prompted me to take my sermon notes in the shape of a cross.
The photo of the cross sermon above is the result of that effort.

Photo by Mauriciooliveira109 on Pexels.com

To illustrate his point – that we need to give Jesus our burdens,
lighten our load, and live in joy, Rev. Steve used this story:

“It’s hard for an egg to become a bird,
but it would be harder for a bird
to fly while still in the egg.”

Let go the egg…
and FLY!
Give Jesus your burdens
and follow Him
with JOY,
not because you HAVE to,
but because you
WANT to.

Photo by Joshua Abner on Pexels.com

God bless you
with the JOY
of
Life Given Away
because you WANT to!

Thank you, Ty, for this beautiful image.

Have a Happy Labor Day weekend.
See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, contentment, Faith, Family, Giving, God, happiness, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love, peace, relationships, sermon notes, Serving One Another

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Do You See White Supremacy?


Photo by Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels.com

Do I see myself
As a white supremacist?
Am I prejudiced?

Sometimes we don’t see
The worst things in you and me
We turn a blind eye

May peace and love be
Multiplied in you and me
Freely given out

May peace and love be
The aura that surrounds us
Reflecting God’s love

Let hatred be gone
And have no place in our hearts
Only compassion

Let prejudices
Be recognized and dealt with
Live in unity

White supremacy
Is an unrecognized force
Most do not see it

Help us recognize
How we add to the problem
May we only love

Let’s go out and just DO LOVE!
Go out and forge a path of peace
By seeing things and thinking things differently.
We are not our skin …
We are not our jobs…
We are not what others see…
We are our souls!
Don’t follow the crowd –
Forge your own path
And live love!!



How does White Supremacy affect you?
Do you see it??
Do you see your own hidden prejudices?
How can we be
Great Minds that Think Alone?
Great Minds that Reflect Love and Peace?
Think about it.
Be SURE to watch the video!!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
Have a great week.
See ya tomorrow.

Photo by ATC Comm Photo on Pexels.com

Category:

Haiku, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, peace, Poetry, relationships, respect, truth

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S.O.S.


What does S.O.S. mean to you?
It’s an urgent message for help.
But yesterday, a Facebook friend said,
“It means Same ole Shit!”

Oh my! I had not heard that before!
She was referring to a message I posted
On Facebook about the U.S. Postal Service.
She is convinced it’s all legit – not “shit” at all!

Photo by Jaymantri on Pexels.com

The post received 66 responses within a few hours
And it deteriorated to the point where I
Called a “Truce” and wished I had not started it.
But, hey, ya gotta stand up for what you believe, right?

And we have a responsibility to fact check.
Yes, some of the removed boxes were being replaced.
The guy in charge of our postal service now, DeJoy,
Has spread his “S.O.S.” and intelligent people believe him.

Other equally intelligent people weighed in on the conversation.
“I worked for the P.O. and I know these claims are false.”
“The sorting machines being removed are not being replaced.”
“This has been going on routinely for decades. Why blame Trump?”

I don’t care who is to blame, I just care about our U.S.P.S.
And I want to speak up to defend our right to vote by mail.
I need all the boxes protected and all the sorting machines left.
I need to know our election in November is not being compromised.

Photo by fotografierende on Pexels.com

So, I came out of my box of comfort and said, “Stop!”
I came out and expressed my outrage at what’s happening.
Enough other people have expressed their concern that DeJoy
Announced he will stop this nonsense until after November elections.

Jeremiah 29:11

“I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you.
I will give you hope and a good future.”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

We need to TRUST God’s Word and expect the best.
We need to pray to God for His wisdom
And for our courage to step up to the plate
When His perfect time comes.

But, before we grab the bat
And swing at the falsehoods,
We need to ask the SUPREME COACH
To guide us, teach us, and give us TRUTH.

We need to persevere in the face of the S.O.S.
People throw at us – and don’t be deterred.
We need to listen to His voice and grasp
As clearly as we can His purposes for our stand.

STAND UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT!
Silence is no longer a viable option!!
I love you, even if you think I’m wrong.
Let’s exchange ideas with respect.

Some GOOD people will disagree with me.
May my optimism about a brighter future be contagious.
Let’s draw on the Word and promises of God.
Stand up and carry on with perseverance!

Hebrews 12:1

“Let us run
with perseverance
the race
marked out for us.”

Photo by Jaymantri on Pexels.com

Send me a love letter!

In my Guideposts Mornings with Jesus today,
Jolynn Strandberg wrote:

“Even when I am surrounded by people
who do not understand my convictions,
I hope I will always have the courage
to stand up for my beliefs.”


See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Jesus, learning, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, Poetry, respect, Serving One Another, truth

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