Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘self-acceptance’

Fearfully/Wonderfully Made

Photo by Paul Seling on Pexels.com

In the book of Psalms,
David writes in chapter 139 verses 13 and 14:

“for it was You who created my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You because
I have been fearfully and wonderfully made”.

What does it mean to be fearfully and wonderfully made?

Fearfully
when translated from the Hebrew means
with great reverence,
heart-felt interest,
and
with respect.

Wonderfully
when translated from the Hebrew
means
unique
and
set apart.

Do you know you are
unique and set apart?
Do you feel the enormous amount of

reverence,
heart,
and
respect
that went into your making?

Or do you relate to this meme?

My body no longer looks like this:

Photo by Loe Moshkovska on Pexels.com

Okay, OK, ok, I hear you…
I never did look quite like that!!

BUT,
read more of that scripture in Psalm 139:

Psalm 139:13-16

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

And realize/internalize this message”

Genesis 1:26-27

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

When we badmouth our bodies, we are insulting God, don’t you think?

Last week when our Presbyterian Women met, the Bible lesson we studied was the story of Bathsheba. It pointed out the secular take on who Bathsheba was may be flawed. Instead of a gorgeous seductress, she may have been the victim. Hollywood’s version of her is the perfectly gorgeous Rita Hayward.

Is that how you see Bathsheba?

The artists who have painted her have a different version:

I much prefer this one! A little bit of a double chin, a poochy stomach, and hefty thighs. Yes, I can relate! Now don’t you think she was fearfully and wonderfully made?

We’re all different in our body type – and yet God says we all are beautiful, lovable, and created in His image. Do you believe that about yourself? Even if you’re not perfect?

Matthew 22:37-39

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Did you hear that?
“… as yourself.”

Yes, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Accept God’s love.
Love yourself …
and then
You can love others!

Don’t let you body stiffen,
and don’t let your mind stiffen either!

There are bodies of all shapes and sizes –
All are made in God’s image –
All are fearfully and wonderfully made!

And – hey guys,
You don’t have to have a six-pack
to be considered handsome!

Those old Charles Atlas ads
are outdated –
and those muscles
don’t make the man!

That guy on the left is my Bob
at the time we met – – –
and his brother, Bill, on the right.
They don’t look like that today,
but they still are fearfully and wonderfully made –
and their bodies have lasted into their mid-80’s!

Hah! Here’s Bob celebrating his 80th a few years ago with his younger brother, Bruce, and his brother-in-law, Stan. When asked, “What makes the man?”

Bob answered, “Character! A man who says what he’ll do and does what he says. A man of his word.”

Being fearfully and wonderfully made
in the image of God means
you are made a hero
because you are made
with the characteristics of heroism.

12 Characteristics of Heroism

  • Brave
  • Filled with Conviction
  • Courage
  • Determination
  • Helpful
  • Honest
  • Inspirational
  • Exhibiting Moral integrity

And that’s not just for you guys out there.
Those are the qualities of a woman made in God’s image, too!

Add faithful to that list…
It’s a part of honesty
and being inspirational
and moral integrity.

It’s faith that gives you that character Bob was talking about!

May God bless you today –
Your mind and your body –
Know for sure, my friends,
you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Believe it!!

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

Love from Bob & Jan

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.

Ten Ways to Get a Handle on Weight

Do you often wish
That you could get a handle
On excessive weight?

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.com

I enjoy burgers –
Especially with french fries.
Eating’s the culprit!

The average person
Has gained fifteen pounds, they say
During this virus.

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

No, it’s not because
The average person’s pregnant!
It may be boredom!

Eating’s an escape
From these monotonous days
Of this pandemic.

So how do we control how much, when, and what we eat? And how do we motivate ourselves to get off the couch and get some exercise?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

TOPS

Today was my first day back at TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensible)
https://www.tops.org/
since March 11th.

When this pandemic hit, we were not allowed to meet in our usual spot at the Madison Valley Medical Center. We were encouraged to stay home, socially distance, and sequester if needed to stop the spread of this disease. So we did.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Some experienced
Loneliness and depression.
We NEED connection!

But knowing that I
Would eventually go
Back to my TOPS helped.

I did not want to
Disappoint my friends at TOPS
When finally we’d meet.

And I I didn’t want
To balloon back up in weight
To where I once was.

Shhh! Don’t admit how heavy I was!!

TOPS helped me take off
Those excess pounds I had gained.
Friends encouraged me.

I needed to be
Accountable to my friends –
Weighing in each week.

On the way down – “Biggest Loser”

Charms and ribbons helped
To keep me motivated.
Slowly losing weight!

Don’t try to rush it.
It is the gradual loss
That stays off of you.

Ribbons represent
The number of miles walked.
Exercise is king!

Watching what you eat
And when you plan your meals
Is also a key.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Eat colorfully!
Less on fruit, more on veggies,
And watch your portions!

“Mind Over Platter!”
That is an effective goal.
Use a smaller plate!

Photo by Ella Olsson on Pexels.com

If the plate is small,
You can fill it easier –
It looks like a lot!

Don’t snack in between
On things that aren’t good for you!
Choose nuts or carrots!

Photo by Marta Branco on Pexels.com
Photo by mali maeder on Pexels.com

Today at my TOPS,
After being gone for months,
I was the winner!

The biggest weight loss
Was only a couple pounds!
But I didn’t GAIN!

MVP = Most Valuable Player = ME
Each TOPS member is “Most Valuable”

So back to the title, “Ten Ways to Get a Handle on Weight”
Did you catch the main points?
Here they are:

  1. Watch what, how much and when you eat.
  2. Exercise Daily.
  3. Avoid boredom – stay connected!
  4. Join with friends who share your passion to remain fit.
  5. Remain accountable to that group of friends.
  6. Lose weight gradually, don’t rush it.
  7. Eat colorfully.
  8. Minimize snacking – and keep it healthy!
  9. Weigh-in weekly – keep a record.
  10. Believe in yourself. You can do it! Remain positive!!
Bee a winner!

Thanks for visiting
JanBeek
See ya tomorrow!

Love Yourself?

Do you love yourself?
Jesus says to love others…
As you love yourself.

Some people cannot.
They don’t like the mirrored self.
So, what about you?

I try to watch weight.
I could easily be round.
Aunts and Grandma was.

But I’m more than that –
More than the mirrored image.
So are you, my friend.

Still, I can struggle
With that darned weekly weigh-in.
Hide the dog-gone scale!!

.

See ya tomorrow.

Love,
JanBeek

How Do I See Thee & Me?

Proverbs is a wonderful book of wisdom. Have you read it clear through? I read one chapter in it everyday. It has 31 chapters. This month I’ll read three chapters on the 29th. We don’t have a 30 or 31 in February! Then on March 1st I will start over again, but with a different translation. I find the various translations help me gather new and deeper meanings.

Photo by nappy on Pexels.com

Today’s chapter 27 verse 19 is a perfect example of the way different translations can add different nuances:

The Message paraphrased version
by Eugene Peterson

“Just as water mirrors your face,
so your face mirrors your heart.”

Proverbs 27:19
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

The NIV (New International Version)

“As water reflects a face,
so man’s heart reflects the man.”

Proverbs 27:19
Photo by Daisa TJ on Pexels.com

KJV King James Version

“As in water face answereth to face,
so the heart of man to man.”

Proverbs 27:19
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Each of those passages refers to the way a person’s heart reflects to that person (and maybe to others) who that person really is. Right? But, when I went to the CS Lewis Bible paraphrased, I found this translation:

“Just as water reflects the face,
so one human heart reflects another.”

Proverbs 27:19

Bible Interpretations

To me that CS Lewis version says it is not just a matter of looking at the way our heart reflects to ourselves who we really are … and can be seen in our facial expressions… but it also says our “heart-scape” influences how we see others.

We see others through our own heart content and our own heart lenses. We may be blind to who they really are, like this girl on a branch is blind to her own reflection. We often don’t see ourselves as others see us. And we don’t see others as they intend to be seen.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Does your face mirror your heart?
Or are there cracks in the space
between your heart mirror and your face?

Photo by Drigo Diniz on Pexels.com

Do you see others through a lens of love,
or is your heart-scape distorting what you see?

Photo by Виктория Лихолёт on Pexels.com

How Do I See Thee and Me?

Do I see thee through a clear lens,
a pure heart,
a heart of love and compassion?

Photo by Ikowh Babayev on Pexels.com
Photo by Natalie on Pexels.com

Ask yourself:
Do I see Me the same way?
Do I see myself as God sees me?
His redeemed, forgiven, beloved child?
Am I gentle with myself?
Am I open and positive?
Do I see the positivity in others?

I see thee dearly.
I see me clearly.
We are not merely
clones; we are beloved,
unique children of God.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

I love you!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
Have a blessed day!

See ya tomorrow.

Six Kindness Keys

Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com

On her September 26th blog, aroused calmkate posted this:

I think kindness is the key
to all that I might be

if I’m kind to others
they might be kind to me

if I live in kindness
there will be more harmony

any kindness I convey
radiates an awesome way

if no kindness in their heart for me
move away, let them be

they are kind to others I will see
just healthier for me to flee

please try your kindness key
it might just set us free

I responded with, “…Kindness is indeed the key to living a meaningful, happy life. It is ours to give, whether or not it is reciprocated. The ones who lack the “Kindness Key” are locked out of so much joy, but they don’t have to rob ours! Our kindness is ours to give – and the more we give away, the more we have. It’s like love that way.”

The more we give away, the more we have!

The 6 Keys to Kindness

Yes, kindness is a key… but there are keys to kindness, too.
Here are a few that come to my mind:

  • Self acceptance (it’s hard to be kind to others while being mean to yourself!)
  • Compassion (we need to open our eyes to others’ needs and exude empathy)
  • Courtesy (being kind involves being courteous – even in the face of rudeness)
  • Gentleness (yes, responding with a gentle heart is a necessary turn of the key)
  • Grace (this word is a gift from God… sometimes it is only through the help of the Holy Spirit that we can return kindness in the face of hurt)
  • Patience (often I need to count to 10, or 25, before I can respond with kindness… it’s not my human nature for my first response always to be kindness)
What other keys to kindness
come to your mind?

Have a Marvelous Monday.
See ya later.

Be Flawed and Quirky

57164023_2511866865502764_9040372598587785216_n

Be the flawed person,
The quirky, unique person,
God made you to be

You are magical
When you exhibit beauty.
Butterflies emerge!

One-of-a-Kind

Do you ever have a tendency to measure yourself against others?

I do… and I often come up short! After all, I’m only five foot nothing.  Really!!

centimeters length measure measurement

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

If I measure me against me,
I could be 6’3″

If I measure me against YOU,
I’m maybe not even 2’2″

So, who do I use?
Whose feet do I choose?

Who carries my blues?
Who walks in my shoes?

“No one,” you say?

“God took His soft clay
And molded a shape –
Unique! Full of play.”

 

body statue

Photo by Paul Seling on Pexels.com

God gifted your soul
Full of treasures untold –
Then He threw out the mold.
You’re more precious than gold.

Who do I measure myself against then?

“No one,” God smiles.
“You’re a one-of-a-kind gem!”

My grandson said, “So what do we do with this knowledge?”

I answered,  “Remember, you are unique.
Don’t let your self-esteem be measured by the
size of someone else’s anything!”

 

(Go back to the clay figure and you can see
what kind of “anything” that caused that deduction!)

grayscale portrait photo of shocked woman

Photo by Alexander Krivitskiy on Pexels.com

Oh bludder!!!


Bite your tongue, my friend …
Know you were created PERFECTLY –

and Have a Merry Christmas!

yellow tape measure

Photo by Rodolfo Clix on Pexels.com

Q = Quirkiness

Day #17 in my A-Z series on “What Makes Me Happy?”

QUIRKINESS

I like different folks

Not afraid to be quirky

Stand out in the crowd

There is nothing ordinary about my three Swiss grandsons! You just saw the namesake of one of them… and then you met my youngest one … the sushi guy. Both are Christian. But, no, I’m not sure about the Christ-like part. They are named Christian … the first crazy guy was our Swiss AFS exchange student in 1980-81. Our daughter married his first cousin – and later named her third son after him.

Now, before you start judging all those unusual and zany folks, just remember, “We’re all a quirky work in progress.”

Jesus ain’t finished with us yet! And He was a little quirky, too, don’tcha think? Water into wine? Who’d ever done THAT before??

Walking on water?

How quirky can you get?

Such quirkiness is challenging. Folks who are different sometimes want to fit in.

That can be hard. And sometimes heartbreaking! But I say, “Embrace your differences! Celebrate quirkiness!”

Here are all three of those Swiss grandsons. Each is unique. Each is a little quirky in his own way.

Quirkiness makes me happy. It makes the world go round.

What’s quirky about you? Do you love it?? God made you unique.

Just remember, He don’t make no junk!! 🤪

Tag Cloud

%d bloggers like this: