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Posts tagged ‘rivers’

Expressing Gratitude

Today’s prompt was:
How do you express your gratitude?

Whenever I feel grateful
Which is certainly most of the time
I cheerfully, freely express it
Often in cards I write in rhyme

I’m grateful for the animals
That come and rest in our space
But when they eat branches or flowers
I shoo them off – give them chase!

I thank God for our sunsets
That reflect on the mountains east
The beauty of their presence
Is for my eyes a heavenly feast!

I express to our sweet visitors
Who came from Switzerland to here
How much we enjoy their presence
Creating memories so dear

Here they are on the Madison
Fishing with Bob on the shore
The peacefulness and the beauty,
Made up for no catches, zero score

Our hostess was Fran, the musician
Who entertained us with lunch and a song
We thanked her with hugs and elation
With such beauty, what could go wrong?

I thank God for USA’s freedom
For the way we celebrate each year
Parades, the rodeo, barbecues… what a crowd
All came to see the bronc riders and to cheer

Our Swiss guest, Laszlo, really caught the mood
Donning a cowboy hat, he weathered the rain
He enjoyed all the cowboys and cowgirls
Watched many get bucked off- lose the rein

Saskia smiled at the chance to be here
Their first USA trip – They chose this Montana spot
I’m expressing my gratitude for their visit
And thanking God for perfect weather -not too hot!

Of course, you can count on huge crowds
On Independence Day every year
The parade is the main attraction
Literally thousands come to view and to cheer

Horses are plentiful, some large, some small
And the floats are the old fashioned type
Throwing candy, waving flags, squirting water,
They live up to all the hype!

The Bible says:

“Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”

1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18 (NIV)

If you’ve gotten out of the habit of being thankful, it’s time to get back into spiritual shape. Every morning, as soon as the alarm goes off (or you wake up on your own… this side of the grass), make a habit of thanking God for a new day — and ask Him for guidance as you embark on new victories and challenges in the hours ahead.

We began our day at the nursing home
Grateful we could help the residents out
Pushed them in their wheel chairs
Where they could hear the crowds shout

We thanked Madison Valley Manor
For placing a row of chairs at road’s side
We had first class seating to view
All the cars, horses, floats… want a ride?

Back home we were treated
To our own neighborhood parade & song
The neighbors’ grandkids rode their bikes
“Happy Birthday, Uncle Sam!” Sing along!

How do you express your gratitude
When you are overwhelmed with glee?
I wish you could have been here
To say Thanks to the kids with me!

Thank you for the daily prompt
That encourages me to write
I don’t get at it every day, but often…
You inspire my muse’s light!

How do you express your gratitude
To those who touch your heart
I hope you do it daily & often –
If not, now’s a good time to start!

Thanks for visiting
JanBeek

(Happy Independence Day!
and
Happy Birthday to our pastor,
Mary Grace Reynolds,
28 today!
Hooray!)

I’m grateful for her
presence in our lives!
God bless you, MGR!!

Category:

Animals, Bible Lessons, blessings, children, Faith, God, Gratitude, happiness, holidays, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, music, Poetry

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Reblog #8 – Be at Peace

Seek the stillness
Seek the tranquility
See the peace within
The calm in you and me

Photo by Lisa Glines

Imagine a peaceful lake
Breathe contentment into your life
Relax and be a gentle presence
Turn away all stress and strife

Don’t try to hear me –
The wind drowns out my voice.
Just enjoy the scenery!

That is a video
Taking you down the driveway
to our home behind the trees

Photo by Nick Kwan on Pexels.com

Do not let the wind
Disturb your tranquility
The wind moves the clouds

The clouds paint pictures
The clouds bring much needed rain
Wind whips them away

Let the wind help you
Blow away any distress
And just be at peace

Smile, my friends!



When this post was first written,
Bob & I were headed out in the boat
to float the Madison River.
Since then, we have sold the boat.
A lot has changed in our lives.

I took this photo on my walk earlier the day this post was first written.

I took TazE for a walk by the river.
She loved it.
Today it is snowy and blowy here…
No river walks.
But I will post a few pictures to show you
what peaceful scenes our Madison River provides!

Many thanks to Ed Coyle for his talented photography

.

Come and visit us here someday!

Be at peace, my friends.

I gotcha covered in prayer.
Have a peace-filled day.

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, Family, Fishing, God, Gratitude, Haiku, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, mountains, peace, photography, Poetry, relationships, Travel

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Peace Like a River

I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got joy like a fountain
I’ve got love like the ocean
I will share from my mountain

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=qdSywk_ztXk&feature=share
Click on the link above
to hear the wonderful Tabernacle Choir
sing “Peace Like a River.”

I’ve got peace like a river
I’ve got love like a river in my soul
I’ve got joy like a fountain
Shared joy makes me whole

Let us share Living Water
Let us share with one another
Let us share from the depths
Of our soul with sister and brother

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=y5L88vissW4&feature=share
Do you have time for
another beautiful, peaceful piece of music?
Click on the arrow above.
Be Still My Soul – – enjoy!!

Be still my soul and let
My God bring His peace
May the waves & winds be calm
In this world – and all strife decrease

Photo by Paweu0142 Fijau0142kowski on Pexels.com
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=a1J4Fa1e31w&feature=share
Where Can I Turn for Peace?
Listen and Believe!

God promises us His peace
A peace that passes understanding
It comes to us by His grace
Not by our demanding

So, do not be afraid, my friends
To show your weakness anytime
In this world of chaos and turmoil
We need a place sublime

That place is in our Lord’s presence
His Holy Spirit is here to guide
So take His peace and share it
Your sparkle cannot be denied

Let your sparkle of peace
Shine like a river
Peace be with you!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek on this lovely Sunday.
Be at peace, my friends.
I’ll see you tomorrow.
God bless you!

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, God, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, Montana, mountains, music, nature, peace, Poetry, prayer, Promises, relationships

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Git Walkin’

This is the week to git walkin’ –
It’s time to git off m’ butt –
Time to leash the pup.
Git outta this home-bound rut!

So off to the park
On this beautiful day –
Git walkin’ before the sun
Warms too much and I wanna stay.

Git m’ hubby to come
And join me in the park.
We’ve got a gorgeous place –
Let’s go before it gits dark!

Take the pup to the river
And enjoy the midday sun.
Let the hubby walk her –
They’ll both have fun!

Bob & TazE
@Lion’s Club Park

With my trusty camera
I’ll git some photos fir ya.
Come walk a spell with me.
Come close – let me stir ya!

Ready? Let’s walk!!

It’s a gorgeous blue-sky day.
There’s not another soul in sight.
We’ve got the park to ourselves –
The day looks mighty bright!

Ya gotta come in person
If you wanna read this sign –
Can’t tell ya about it
Not even the upper headline.

It’s so peaceful to be
In this place with only me
And my hubby and my dog.
Let’s sit a spell and just BE!

Didja bring along a snack?
We could sit here and eat.
Give our pup a treat
And get off our weary feet.

But, no that’s not why we came.
We came to just git walkin’ –
So git a move on, Jan,
And quit yer silly talkin’!

TazE says the day is heating up
So we gotta keep on movin’ –
Whistle a tune as you jog.
Exercise the dog and get groovin’!

Around the back side of the park
The scenery changes a lot.
Fields of baled hay and no shade –
Now it’s starting to get hot!

Don’t you love these round ones?
They were square in fields back home.
Things are done differently
When you git out and roam.

Looking beyond the hayfield,
You can see a ridge halfway up.
That’s where our place is located.
It’s a great neighborhood, yup!

Walking back into the shade
Of the tree-lined park, we see
A gazebo on the lawn out there.
Wanna come sit a spell now with me?

No, it’s heating up; let’s move.
I was surprised as I walked on
To see my friends from the Manor
Having a picnic out on the lawn.

That’s some of the folks
That I lead Bible Study with weekly.
When they saw me out of context,
Some greeted me quite meekly.

Isn’t it wonderful that friends
From our local nursing home
Can get into the van and travel
To the park and watch others roam?

When I saw a couple of the kids
From our neighborhood at play,
Their greetings were robust!
Their smiles and hugs made my day!

Time for a potty stop before
Heading home to get some rest.
I’m so grateful to the Lion’s Club
For their park. Kudos to Cherrie and the rest

Who work to keep it pristine.
It’s a gift to our community.
We plan to walk there most days.
Aren’t you glad today you joined me?

See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love,
JanBeek

Walk with me
through the darkness.
Pick me up each time I fall.
You’ll bring light and erase the starkness!

(Love Randy’s invitation in the song below)

Category:

Animals, blessings, contentment, Faith, friendship, Gratitude, happiness, health, life, Love, Montana, music, nature, peace, pets, photography, Poetry

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Embrace the Flow

Although the flow
May feel like a free fall,
Embrace the flow.
There’s Someone at your call.

He’s right there to catch you
When you’re about to land.
He won’t let you crash –
He’ll hold out His hand!

Yesterday Bob & I dashed off to Bozeman for three reasons –
and there ended up being four… oh actually five:

  1. Drop off his pickup at “Dark Horse Snug Tops” to replace the hinge on his hatch cover
  2. Go to an appointment with the nephrologist (what’s that? -the doctor who deals with the branch of medicine related to physiology and diseases of the kidneys-)
  3. Keep an appointment with the cardiologist (you all know that’s a heart doctor), and an unexpected
  4. X-ray of his abdomen… oh, and I was there for a 5th reason:
  5. To shop for the veggies to make vegetable soup for tomorrow’s fellowship at church

We were hoping that the nephrologist would say his kidneys show no signs of protein or amyloid deposits – and so a biopsy would not be necessary. God answered that prayer!

We were hoping the cardiologist would say all the preliminary tests are done and show no signs of AL Amyloidosis (the cancerous kind) – and so no more labs and scans before our trip to Mayo Clinic in January. God answered that prayer.

The unexpected x-ray showed yes, the abdomen area is full of air (that’s why it sounds like a kettle drum when you tap on it) – but it’s not fluid – and he’s not showing signs like pain or vomiting – so we won’t deal with that issue right now. God is good! We trust His timing on this – (and all our other decisions).

I got my veggie shopping done (Thanks, CostCo, for your lovely fruits and veggies) – and …

The pickup latch cover hinge was fixed and BONUS: they replaced the key mechanism that was troubling (God answers prayers you didn’t know to mention … He’s way ahead of you!)

So, go with the flow…

John 7:38

“Out of the believer’s heart
will flow rivers of living water.”

Today’s word in Unity‘s Daily Word is FLOW. The introductory thought is, “I flow with the nourishing life of God.” John 7:38 is the featured scripture. The devotional (quoting Lao Tzu) says, “The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things, without trying to.”

As believers, we know that “supreme good” is God. We know God is “The Flow.”

Unity‘s Daily Word goes on to say, “Whether I experience this flow as a current of a river, the swelling of ocean waves, or my body’s life-sustaining circulation, I am in sync with this flow, which by its nature knows which way to go and what to do.”

How refreshing is that thought to you? It nourishes my soul. By the Holy Spirit, I know God’s life is in me – moving, changing, dancing and singing. I am one with the flow. I need not dash and rush and worry about things happening on time! I need not worry about Bob’s heart and kidneys, his abdomen or his pickup. I need not worry about his lack of stamina on the drive home. Just go with the flow – and trust. Follow along in the car – and honk if his pickup drifts and he seems to be falling asleep!!

Sometimes the flow is slow and steady … and I am out there in a fiery mood, trying to rush it along.

Don’t be in a rush
To try to get too much done.
Let the smooth flow of God
Stop you mid-run!

Delight in the sneakiness
Of a red sunset’s glow,
And take time to relish
The soft taste of snow.

Embrace the joy
Of vegetables’ texture and smell,
The magic of herbs as they cook,
And bid stressing farewell!

Embrace the flow
Of God in your life.
Let Him slow you down
As you eliminate strife.

Don’t worry about health.
Don’t stress over unfinished tasks.
Just go with the flow –
And take time for some laughs!

Overflow this Advent season
with the love of Christ Jesus,
the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
and the easy flow of God
answering prayers
in your life.

See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love,
JanBeek

Embrace the Flow!

And Have a Relaxed, blessed Advent Season!

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, children, Christmas, contentment, Faith, Family, God, Gratitude, happiness, health, Jesus, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, nature, optimism, peace, Poetry, prayer

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Embrace Fly Fishing

It’s a beautiful evening
for a maiden fly fishing adventure.
Bob & Steve took Mary Grace out on the Madison.

First, she needed a rod, reel, tippet, and some flies.
Steve Hundley made a box of ’em for her!
Then he taught her how to tie one on.
Every flyfisherperson needs a good pair of boots.
Thank you, Fran McNiell!!
Every fisherperson needs a license, too.
Next year Mary Grace will be a resident
and it won’t cost as much, we hope!
It was $120 for non-residents this year.
That was quite an increase!
Mary Grace watched carefully as Bob readied the boat.
Three happy fisher(wo)men!! Almost ready…
OK, boat’s in the water… now hop in!
The weather was warm (92 degrees) –
but it will be cooler on the river.
I watched to be sure they were on their way…
(They put in at 8 Mile Fishing access)
Then I drove the pick up with trailer home.
Happy Fly Fishing, Mary Grace.
I hope you have a great time!!

Stay tuned, friends.
I’ll give you a report tomorrow to let you know how they did.
I hope they are able to catch a few big ones.
They will call when they are ready
for me to get them at the “take out” in Ennis.
Bob says, “The tug is the drug.”

Do YOU embrace fly fishing??

Category:

contentment, Fishing, friendship, learning, Montana, mountains, nature, Serving One Another

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Embrace Relaxation

Thank you, Larry Stoltz
Gorgeous Photography
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Have a peaceful , relaxing Wordless Wednesday.
Embrace Relaxation!
Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Love, Montana, mountains, nature, peace, Travel

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Embrace Peace

The events at the United States Capitol in Washington DC today were more than disturbing. I watched about a half an hour of President Trump’s speech to thousands of his followers who came to his rally this morning near the Capitol Building in Washington DC. His speech was so disturbing that I had to shut it off.


About 10 minutes into his speech, I wrote to a friend saying, “I am listening to a rabid crowd that is listening to this delusional dictator/cult leader. So troublesome!! He’s so dangerous!”

About 10 minutes later I wrote, “I am praying for peace. I’m worried about his power base believing the election fraud lie and being riled up… He is damning ‘Weak Republicans’ and obviously trying to plan a coup… inciting insurrection. He said there were ‘explosions of bullshit’ – and the crowd loved it! He said, ‘The media has become the enemy of the people’. The crowd applauded. This man is dangerous.”

I couldn’t stand what I was hearing, so clicked out of it and turned on XM Radio’s Escape while I finished my breakfast and then went to my dental appointment. Bob & I were gone for the day. It was a beautiful drive to Bozeman and back along the Madison River.

I got my teeth cleaned, we did a little grocery shopping, and when we returned home, we turned on the TV.

Can you imagine our dismay? Sure enough, that “rabid crowd” was incited to violence. They had stormed the White House and in the mayhem a woman was killed and the entire Senate and House proceedings to affirm the electoral counts that would confirm the election of Biden/Harris had been halted.

As I write this, the Senate and Assembly are back in session. It is nearing midnight in Washington DC and they promise to stay in session until their job is done and the electoral votes are properly counted. The rioters were cleared out, of course. But very few were arrested, as far as I can tell. Why not? What they did was despicable and unlawful.

They were incited by the rhetoric of our President Trump. I heard it. I could switch it off and tune into some music and go on a nice drive. But those rioters were caught up in it. They didn’t turn it off. Their actions were …

… well, I can’t find the words. I can’t describe how concerned I am about our country, how disappointed I am with our president and his unwillingness to accept defeat. I cannot put into words how concerned I am about what Donald Trump may do in the next 14 days (until he is out of office) to put the USA at risk. His behavior is not rational. I heard him. I saw him. I saw the results. Did you?

How are you feeling about it?

Let’s Embrace PEACE.
Pray for peace.
Be the peace we need to see.
Feel the peace.
Breathe.

What do you say?

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
and listening to me vent.
See ya tomorrow.
I hope it’s a better day.

Category:

Life's Challenges, mental health, peace, prayer, relationships, truth

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Go With the Flow

Go with the flow.
Don’t get caught in the rocks.
Drink from the Living Water.
Be sure to take off your socks!

Wade down the stream
Of life’s flowing water.
Remember to pray –
You’re a beloved son or daughter.

Your Heavenly Father
Is walking the stream with you.
He is listening to your pleas;
His touch cannot miss you.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

God’s love is with you in every situation.

Romans 8:31

“What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us,
who can be against us?”

I find assurance in knowing that God’s love is with me. He reaches out to me in my distress, and His comforting hand guides me through the tough waters of life.

As I search for the good, the acts of kindness and helpfulness, and the people who are examples of strength and resilience, He shows me the way. He buoys my spirits and helps me stay afloat.

Photo by Camila Cordeiro on Pexels.com

Go with the flow.
Feel the love, the buoyancy.
Accept the peace that Christ gives.
Feel its strength and potency.

Photo by Daniel Torobekov on Pexels.com

God is with you.
Jump in… Go with the flow, and
Be at peace!

Bob & I send our love.

Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
Bob & I are together here in Ennis, MT,
going with the flow of things!

We are enjoying
The Wind of the Spirit
which blows everywhere here…
And JOY like a fountain.
We wish you that same joy!

Enjoy the peace of this lovely rendition
by the Vinesong ensemble:

See ya tomorrow.

Category:

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

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Come to the Water

Come to the water
The living water of God
Come to the water

Come to the water
And you’ll never thirst again
Drink of the Lord’s love

Come on a world tour
With “We the Kingdom” music
Come to the water

God so loved the world…
In a new and current song version
Thank you, Ed Coyle!

Come to the water
Enjoy eternal cleansing
Drink of His water

Come to the water
The living water of God
Let His Love heal you

John 3:16

New International Version

16 For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish but have eternal life.

Let what matters surface.
God bless you!

May the love of Christ
Refresh your soul with water
The living water

Amen

Water to wine?
Oh yes!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Haiku, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love, music, peace, Poetry, prayer, writing

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