Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Have a calm, thoughtful, and a purposeful Thursday. See ya tomorrow. JanBeek
It’s that time of year again. “Bah Humbug!” declared Mr. Scrooge. Our sermon today started on that same note. See my poetic notes below.
Rev. Steve Hundley Madison Valley Presbyterian Church Ennis, Montana 12-6-20
“Here We Go…”
“Well, here we go again,” The woman spoke with regret. The Christmas season has arrived – We must prepare lest we forget.
Prepare for peace on earth – Prepare for goodwill toward men. But will we feel the peace? Will there be good will again?
This year seems so very strange. It’s hard to enter with trust The coming of the Christ Child. But trust and hope we must!!
God’s chosen people felt The same worn-out feeling of despair. They wee caught in the wilderness, Feeling God was no longer there.
In this time of pandemic, We’re tired of this quarantine. The pain and struggles continue. What does all this mean?
Are we caving in to hopelessness? Can’t we remember God is good? We must live hearing His promise And believe He’ll save us as He said He would.
If we have ears to hear And we have eyes to see, Know God’s message, “Here we go anew,” Is meant for you and me.
God has the power to get us out Of this situation we’re in. Believe! Have faith in God. Carry His hope. Carry His light within.
Share that light with others. Walk in His way and then you’ll know The peace and trust Jesus brings. “Here we go anew!” Let it glow.
Advent is about preparing room For something new at our place. So stay alert and wait with faith. God is coming in Christ – Clear a space!
Amen
Our friend, Jim Forsberg, sang this beautiful song today in church, accompanied by his guitar (sung here by the marvelous Susan Boyle). The words are so beautiful. Be sure to click on that link and enjoy.
Prayer of Confession: “Merciful God, always with us, always coming: We confess that we do not know how to prepare for Your Advent. We have forgotten how to hope in miracles; we have been distracted by the challenges of the past nine months. Forgive us, O God. Grant to us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph that we may rediscover the good news of the child born for us. Amen”
Merry Christmas, my friends. Happy Advent. No “Bah Humbug” here!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. I pray your Sunday was a lovely one.
Thanks for all your love-filled comments on the “Dogs in Heaven?” post yesterday. My friend, Fran appreciates all your prayers.
[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 <3 Shalom!
Bee kind to yourself – You are a special person. You “moose” treat yourself with love.
Bee kind to yourself – Wrap yourself in perkiness. Smile in the mirror.
Bee kind to yourself – Find the most perfect head wrap. Wrap yourself in love.
Isn’t she beautiful? Go to 720Royal.com and treat yourself … Be Kind to Yourself!
There’s where I found those beautiful head wrap pictures. I may have to “Shop Now” to find that perky, beautiful fabric. Will you teach me to tie it that way? Will they make me a gorgeous as those lovely ladies?
Our daughter, DeAna’s a perfect “head wrap” for her hubby, Andre’
Bee kind to yourself – Hug your sweetheart every day. Don’t let life skunk you!
God bless Ed Coyle, Photographer extraordinaire!
Bee kind to yourself – And share your love with others. Reach out to loved ones.
Sharing through a plexiglass screen
With today’s virus, Social distancing’s a must. Don’t let it stop you!
Sharing’s essential – And loneliness is rampant. Kindness is two-way!
Phyllis safely visited with her kids!
Share kindness with friends. ‘Cuz what you give blesses you. Imitate Jesus!
Kindness lifts others. Just as Jesus lifts you up, Imitate His love!
Be kind to yourself – Go find a beautiful spot, And share it today.
Julie and Lisa Shared with each other the view And walk in the park.
Beauty’s more lovely When shared with one another. Who might walk with you?
Or who might visit, Enjoy the flowers and porch? Reach out to someone.
Lisa shared her lake view in South Carolina
Let your love brighten The life of those around you. Be kind to them, too.
Share your gorgeous views And notice how your love shines And kindness returns.
Ed Coyle Photography
Love and prayers sending your way. Bee well … Bee Safe … Bee Kind!
What did you do to “Bee Kind” to yourself or others today? (Or what do you plan to do?) Live intentionally.
I know a lot of you love art as much as I do. I am the president of our Ennis Arts Association. As such, I rub elbows with a lot of talented people. Today I met a new artist: Akie from Japan. I LOVE her art! Take a look:
Japanese artist Akie Nakata (known simply as Akie) transforms found stones into animals you can hold in the palm of your hand. Isn’t this amazing? You thought it was a real bird at first, huh? I did, too.
Here are some more of the rock art creations:
Which of them do you like best? Have you ever tried painting on rocks?
Today I am having a COVID-19 test. I have no symptoms, but the test is required before I can have surgery. I am scheduled to have a hernia repaired on Tuesday. Should be a simple in-out procedure.
Please keep me in prayer that the robot knows what it’s doing. I’ll keep you posted.
Hope you are having a Marvelous Monday. Love, JanBeek
A couple days ago I asked you to pray for my cousin, Cliff, who had esophageal cancer and had his esophagus removed. I know some of you are praying people who take requests like mine to heart and actually add CLIFF HURN to your prayer list. I want you to know how much I and his family appreciate it!
Prayers Answered
Today I received the following news from Cliff’s daughter, Heidi:
“You can see from the smiles that Cliff had a great day… and of course it helps that he’s surrounded by his favorite ladies 😉 The nasal tube is gone – good news since that means he can wear his CPAP and get some sleep, he has a new feeding tube installed near his tummy, and he finally gets to eat ice chips! Who knew these milestones would be so exciting!?”
Cliff with wife, Janine, on the right – flanked by his beautiful daughters
Continued Prayers
Continue those prayers, please. We are hoping Cliff can go home on Monday. His wife, Janine is a nurse. Between his daughters, spouse, and God, he is in good hands.
I’m grateful for answered prayers. See ya tomorrow.
Good-bye September!
You’ve been a very good month –
Messages each day.
My take-aways were
Great daily inspirations –
Always carry them!
When glancing to the right,
You see numbers 1-15,
Next page to 30.
Every day I write
The take-away to carry
In heart to guide me.
It provides a list
That inspires me to live
Thankful for blessings.
Lord,
Please strip me of me
Until nothing remains but
YOU!
These are my daily prayers.
It was an inspirational
September.
Daily Guideposts take-aways for each day of September  –
Carry these with you:
Thank God for my family and friends
God bless all our laborers
Thank God for our “hood”
God is Always with me
Stay Connected in Love
Rely on God’s Strength
Walk in Step with Jesus
Listen to God’s Wisdom
Lord, Increase my Insight
Trust God with my Dreams
Never Forget 9-11
He walks with Me
Trust Him
Give Love Unconditionally
Jesus Forgives “Missteaks”
Be Consistent; and Treasure People
Use Your Gifts to Praise God
Live in the Hope of the Lord
Focus on God’s Grace
A Hug Includes Letting Go
Bless my Former Students (Thank You, Lord, for giving me chances to positively influence others)
Lift my Hands, Heart & Voice to Praise God
I Am at Home in my Soul with God
Make Wise Choices
Lord, Hear my Prayers
Serve with Compassion
Pray for a Cancer Cure
Thank God for His Gift of Peace
Take Courage in All Circumstances
Lean on God Always
Many of these daily themes in Daily Guideposts were the inspirations for my daily blogs.
The end of the “Daily Devotions for Living by Faith” called These Days features three coloring pages. I will write about them tomorrow … Â telling about the way coloring can relieve stress.
As September ends and I send this book off to my grandson, I thank God for the people who write these daily messages – and for the way in which they inspire my life. I hope they inspire yours today, too. Thank you for sharing!God bless you!
Here I am! In the land of the morning star,
Will you send me an angel?
Wise men said, “Just raise your hand
And reach out… hear the voice from deep inside…
Close your eyes and you will find
Your way out of the dark.”
Here I am – in the land of the morning star.
A blogging friend posted this YouTube video yesterday morning.
Yesterday afternoon I needed a guardian angel to catch me before I fell.
It was a weird accident. I guess most accidents are.
I was just turning to head out of my kitchen and my sandal turned
before I did… and my body lunged sideways, banging my head on the log post.
I thought my guardian angel musta been working overtime elsewhere.
I gashed my head open – about a 2 inch gash – requiring four stitches.
Bob & I spent the afternoon in the emergency room at our local medical center.
So, that’s why I didn’t get this blog posted yesterday.
But, I am okay… and I guess my guardian angel was with me after all.
The CT scan showed no internal brain bleed. Could have been worse!
Keep me in your prayers, will ya? Weird falls are the #1 reason folks my age
end up in the emergency room… and it’s not my favorite place to be!
And beware those sharp turns in your kitchen! Oy Vey!!
When glancing to the right,
You see numbers 1-15,
Next page to 30.
