Arrived home yesterday after a long weekend traveling to a family wedding in California.
Memorial Day… A day to remember those in the military who died to keep us free.
Big Skies in Montana
O Beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain … (well, not grain, but lovely amber) … Home sweet home!
For purple mountain majesty…
Above the fruited plain…
California has miles of grape vineyards… (Talk about a “fruited plain!)
Switzerland has miles of vineyards, too. This is where our daughter, De, lives in Valais, Switzerland. All the mountainsides there on the sunny side are terraced with vineyards!
(We, in America, are not the only Land of the Free!)
Back home again, we are so grateful we live in one of the “Lands of the Free!”
America, America, God shed His grace on Thee!
Thank you to all our veterans and all the men & women who died to keep us free.
May God bless them all as they receive their reward in heavenly eternity!
1959
This is what Bob looked like when I first met him (actually I had known him a year before he joined the army). Anyway, I am grateful that he survived those years in the service. I am thankful we survived a very stressful trip to CA and back this weekend… More about that in the next post.
God bless Bob and all those who serve(d) our country.
In the midst of Pentecost Sunday, baptisms and weddings, picnics, and travel plans, may we not forget the real reason for the three day weekend!
Rest in Peace, dear ones! God bless you all! Happy Memorial Day!
NanoPoblano2022 invited us to reblog an old post each day during this month of November. I’m having fun going back through some of my first posts… Here is one from 2013 … as pertinent today as it was 9 years ago…
A New Day Shines Before Me
A New Day
A new day shines before me – Bright as the morning sun. It’s stretched out on the horizon – A happy, “Good Morning, everyone!”
A new day shines before me – But first I must be still. Listen for God’s voice within – And prepare to do God’s Will.
A new day shines before me – Full of promise, full of needs. I pray and ask, “What can I do To be Your Love in thoughts and deeds?”
A new day shines before me – I hear the Holy Spirit within Saying, “Go – and see the world as Christ did. Be Love, Joy, Peace. Ready? Begin!”
Have a Fabulous Friday, my friends. Thank you for visiting JanBeek. See ya tomorrow for Reblog #4.
Did you serve in the military? When you think of service, Do you think of military service? There are other kinds…
Today is Veterans’ Day in the USA.
It is a day to honor our servicemen/women. Not all our veterans served with a pure heart, Motivated by the desire to serve for freedom’s sake. Some just didn’t know what else to do!
Now, that may sound a little sacrilegious – A little disrespectful to some of you. But, I know for a fact at least one Veteran who served out of frustration.
Hey, Bob, were you ever in the military? “I think so… 2 years, 9 months, & one day. I was in when the Berlin Wall was built. Thank God I got out 3 months early for summer work!”
So you didn’t serve out of love of country? “No! I was told I could learn electronics, So I went into the Nike Ajax Program. Then I discovered it was cancelled!
I ended up learning nothing about electronics. It was a sham. The recruiters lied to me. As a clerk typist, stationed in Germany, I felt trapped by the military system.”
You see not all veterans served in wartime. Not all veterans have a heartwarming, Grateful, fuzzy feeling about their service. Not even those who DID serve in wartime.
So how do we honor our veterans? How do we honor the families of those Who sacrificed their lives for us? How do we honor the clerk typists?
Here’s Bob – a handsome soldier, But don’t let the smile fool you. He was shuffling papers, typing orders, And counting the days ’til discharge.
Some folks enter the military out of high school Because they are at loose ends. They don’t know what else to do with their lives… Not ready to go to college, not sure of a job.
Those folks can end up making a career Of the army or navy, the marines or air force, And can be excellent servicemen/women. Original motive aside, they serve with honor.
So what’s my point on Veterans’ Day? I guess it is… don’t generalize. Don’t assume all veterans served To help preserve our freedom.
Look at the size of our military. Look at the money spent in peacetime. Look at those who served during wars. Look at those who gave their lives.
Look at the whole picture of war And military and fighting and preserving. Honor our veterans, yes… But what about the drop-outs?
I don’t mean to belittle Veteran’s Day. There are people out there who Served for patriotic reasons… And they deserve to be honored.
There are families who lost loved ones Who served to preserve our freedom. They deserve our gratitude and love. Yes, Happy Veterans’ Day!
God Bless America! And God bless those who serve to keep us free!
Your pastor plants seeds With each sermon presented. You fertilize them.
You add nutrients To the soil where they’re resting By watering them.
Water the ideas By ruminating on them. What was the message?
Each week I take notes. I capture the main ideas As they resonate.
Today’s seeds that Pastor Mary Grace Reynolds sowed were inspired by Ephesians 2:11-22 and enhanced by the experience she had Friday night and Saturday morning with a group of young bicyclists who were traveling 4000 miles for cancer research. Here are my notes that I took while listening this morning.
TENACITY
Serving 400 hours as a hospital chaplain Was required in my seminary studies. Why God – why? What’s the answer? With integrity and stamina, just serve!
Ephesians 2 is not about empty connections. It’s talking about the death of our worst instincts. It’s talking about getting on board with Christ. Paul believed Christ would come back yesterday!
We’re still here thousands of years later… Wondering when that victory over death And division will come to this earth. The Kingdom of God didn’t come in Paul’s time.
It hasn’t come in our time, either. Addictions, abuse, fires, death, wars continue. Where is the world where all divisions are erased? We’re here to put our feet on the ground and be hopeful.
Moments of hope will come to you. The U of Austin bike riders were my moment. Stories of lodging needs and cancer research, Tenacity, friendship, and HOPE scenarios entered.
Hope is a screamer and fighter. Sometimes it works out for the good. HOPE is the reality that God is love. Evil will not win. God’s hope will!
Say YES to what pulls on your heartstrings. Say YES to the reality of God’s hope. Say YES to Truth and love and reaching out. Say YES to cancer research and to helping.
Every inch gained in the fight against cancer Is an inch toward life and hope. We are building the Kingdom of God here Where violence and oppression will be foreign to us.
With tenacity, hang in there. With tenacity listen to God’s response to Your questioning… Why God? Why? With tenacity and stamina and love, just serve!
Amen
Let’s just grow flowers of love.
Embrace Your Pastor. He or she needs your support – And needs your feedback!
Happy Sunday. Thanks for visiting JanBeek See ya tomorrow (God willing).
Time for beginnings Is now – this very morning Baby animals
This “Puggle” says “Hello World!”
Baby platypus Greets the world with a big wave It makes me smile
Baby robins on our porch
Whether antelope Or platypus or robins Embrace beginnings
Mark 10:27
“Without God it is utterly impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Mary Grace Reynolds
Excitement revealed These Eminent Beginnings Readily perceived
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I’ve worked diligently for the 10 months with our Pastor Nominating Committee. We investigated more than 50 candidates, looking at their PIFs (Pastor Information Forms), texting, e-mailing, calling, ZOOMing, checking references, etc.
Our pastor of more than 30 years passed away over a year ago … and we have had the privilege of a wonderful interim pastor who stepped out of retirement to help us keep our church alive during this year of COVID-19. Not an easy feat!
We feel (as a Pastor Nominating Committee) that God spoke through the Holy Spirit to the young lady you see above. She is our chosen candidate – and we all love her! She will preach to our congregation this Sunday. The members will have a chance after meeting/hearing her to vote yay or nay on accepting her … and whether to accept the terms of employment that we and the church leaders (the Session) have put together for her.
This is definitely a time of “New Beginnings” for her – and for our church. Would you add your prayers to ours during this crucial weekend? I’d really appreciate it! I know God hears … and we just want His Will to be done!
The excitement is palpable!
Mary Grace – in front of the manse (the church parsonage where she would live)
Bob (my hubby) has been working long and hard (as the Elder in charge of Buildings and Grounds) to get the manse ready inside and out for a new pastor. He’s there now working on the stairs – getting the old padding out so the installers can come Monday to put in new carpet.
It takes a village to accomplish all we’ve done. Thank God for the church leaders and our Nominating Committee for their arduous work over the past year.
Have you ever served in one of those capacities – selecting a new pastor – or being in charge of buildings and grounds? If so, you can relate to what we’ve been through – – – and are facing.
Prayers are really appreciated for this exciting time in our church life.
See ya tomorrow. Thanks for visiting JanBeek – and lending your support!
Embrace New Beginnings, indeed!! There I was in 1965 with new beginnings for our son, Ty!!
Thank you, Ed Coyle, for this beautiful photo of the grand Tetons in Wyoming.
My friends, Terry and Jim Groshong, are hiking in the area of the Tetons this week. It is such a gorgeous area. I need to share some of their photos with you.
The Tetons are truly amazing!Terry & Jim enjoyed a visit to this museum today.There’s my dear friend, Terry. Bob calls her Sparkles (because she does).Great photo, huh?That previous photo had to have been taken through one of these holes, don’t you think?
Don’t these photos make you want to take a trip to Jackson Hole, WY, and on to the areas around? Terry and Jim did some hiking… You may want to plan on that, too.
Bob and I worked at the manse (church parsonage) today. He painted the area above the garage door where the paint was chipping due to years of snow and sun bearing down on it. I stayed with Bob while he did this project yesterday and today. Not a good idea for an 81 year old to be up on ladders and scaffolding. But, it had to be done.
While Bob painted, we had an audience:
With a little noise, she got up and spent about a half an hour munching on the lawn.
Meantime, Bob completed his job. The manse looks refreshed!
That was the gray base coat. I’ll show you the finished product tomorrow. Time to go now and listen to our Presidential Debate between Biden and Trump. I pray for honest exchange and civility.
Angels are with us In every walk of our life Most have hidden wings
My angel friend, Terry, sent me this Jana Stanfield video. She said I am her angel. Truth is: she is mine!
Can it be that we serve one another As angels here on earth? Can it be that you are one, too?
Look at these darling children. Each of them is an angel here on earth. They just keep their wings hidden! (Except for the cymbalist… I think I see his wings peeking out!)
“Somewhere amongst them, or betwixt them, or gazing adoringly up at them just like you, here I am.”
That was a sentence I captured on a blog yesterday, but didn’t get the author’s name. I apologize. If you know who wrote this, please tell me in the comments below and I’ll add it. It is angelic writing, don’t you agree?
Sending God’s love to you, my friends.
I have a host of angels here on earth who bring God’s love to me on a daily basis. I bet you do, too. Think about them today. Reach out and thank them today for the joy they bring to you.
Some of my Angels
My daughter, De
Our #2 daughter Laina, and my hubby, Bob
This is Bob’s older brother, Bill, with his wife, Margie. Bob’s family members are angels in our lives.
With them is our son, Ty, and daughter-in-love, Monika. We are so blessed to have Tyroneee and Moni as angels among us.
Here is Terry (the friend who sent me Jana Stanfield’s angel song) with her husband, our friend, Jim. Can you just see what angels they are? We call Terry “SPARKLES!” She sparkles with love and compassion.
When I came home from the hospital after my recent hernia surgery, Terry sent Bob to get me at the hospital with this angel blanket that’s now draped over my bedroom chair. That’s what angel friends do: they wrap you warmly in their loving arms… and send you kisses!
This collage of photos from my sister, Sally, has several angels pictured on it. My dad to start with – bottom center – what an angel! My sis and my niece, Jodie with her son, Liam and husband, Bill. They are angels in my life, too.
And if you look closely, you can see Sally with TazE… our Boston Terrier. She was going to be named “Angel.” I had that name all picked out for her – until we met her!! TazE was a Tasmanian Devil (Taz) with E for Ears to match her bouncy personality and oversized ears. No, she was not an angel at all. But she has quieted down in her old age (she’s nine now) and maybe she qualifies as an angel in my life at this time. You think?
Chris is one of my three Swiss grandsons. He lived with us for a while last year … and was such an angel in our lives. Our seven grandchildren continue to be angels. Here is my youngest granddaughter, Faith (now 24) … Of course, she’s an angel in our lives!
I hope you have a BFF – (Best Friend Forever) – a long term angel friend – someone you can count on in all circumstances – someone like my friend, Marcie:
She just called me while I was creating this blog… just to express condolences about my cousin, Cliff. What a thoughtful, sweet, angel friend Marcie is!!
We all have angels in our lives. People we will love until the end of time… people who exude God’s love. They are compassionate and considerate. They seem to know when we need them and they are there at the most important times. God bless the angels among us!
Each of you who comes to JanBeek and bothers to read and comment is An Angel of Mine!
What you mean to me, you’ll never know…. You came at just the right time into my life- and I want to share it with you… I appreciate you so much!
My child, you are worrying too much. remember who I am there is nothing too hard for me. You may not see it, but I have everything planned out for you.
Verse of the Day:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6
Each morning I begin my day sitting in this old rocking chair that Bob’s great-grandpa built. It’s up in the corner of my favorite room in the house – my sanctuary.
Sometimes I call it my “Angel Room.”
You can see Mornings with Jesus, my #1 devotional, on the chair in front of my “All Things Grow with Love” pillow. The picture above the photo of room is today’s page. My bookmark reminds me daily of my 2020 resolution: “Walk the Talk.”
Prov. 3:5-6 is the verse on that card. It’s one of my favorite scriptures. With it tucked firmly under my belt and in my heart each morning, I read the daily devo and write in large, fat letters the 2 to 6 words that are my “take away” for the day. You can see “SIMPLY TRUST HIM” is today’s message.
Daily Plan
At the top of my devo page I write my plan for the day … the part of it that God directs to my angelic perch from His heavenly Holy Spirit’s leading. It helps me to “Walk the Talk” when I put my trust in what He has “up His sleeve.”
What are your plans for this beautiful Sunday? I hope you take time to pray. The Faith Step that’s partly covered by my bookmark in the devo picture says, “Recall the times when Jesus answered your prayers in ways you didn’t expect. If you’re praying for something right now, don’t keep Him in a box. Expect Him to answer beyond your expectations.”
Step Out
Go ahead. Listen for His leading. Step out confidently today with plans God sets before you.
John 11:40
Jesus responded, “ Didn’t I tell you that you would seeGod’s glory if you believe?”
My view from my rocking chair
Our Prayer
Pray with me, “Thank You, Jesus, for praying with us and for us. Thank You for Your presence in our lives. Now, as we walk the talk, guide our feet where You want us to go today. Help us meet who You want us to meet. Whisper what You want us to say. Help us be who we were made to be. Show us what You want us to do as we walk in Your will. Amen”
I have a journal titled, “I Can and I Will … Watch Me!”
I don’t write in it every day; just when I am inspired by something else “I Can” do that “I DID!” Some of my topics are I CAN:
Emerge
Participate
Heal
Remember
Bee Positive
Taste
Encourage
You get the idea…
Today my topic was I CAN “Cherish Aging.” I was inspired by my experience last Tuesday at Big Sky Ski Resort while I sat at the bar, sipping my Irish coffee, and enjoying my book.
“You remind me of my grandma,” The young waitress smiled and said, “She was a little, compassionate lady Who loved me dearly – and was too soon dead.”
She told me of her virtues, her illness, And her faith. Tears filled her eyes. She told me how she missed her hugs – And their long talks. Grandma was quite wise.
Then, wiping away the teardrops, She went on about her job. Soon she returned with a piece of apple pie On which was a big whipped cream blob.
“I thought you’d like this little treat; My grandma sure loved apple pie,” She gave me a hug and rushed away. Now it was my turn to cry.
I don’t mind t all growing older If my wrinkles and my silver hair Can bring cherished memories to someone And make them know: Us Grandmas Care!
Look at these wonderful Pexels.com photographs of various grandmothers:
The one above is my daughter-in-law, Monika, with my great-granddaughter, Cosette. Monika’s a young, loving grandmother … See, not all gramas are silver-haired and wrinkled!
Look back at those grandmas. Which one touches your heart the most? Do any of them remind you of YOUR grandma? Tell me about her!
Here I am with Xander and Sienna.
Do CHERISH AGING! It brings with it many blessings and joys.
Last night we attended a dinner celebrating the 244th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and honoring our veterans.
The gentleman on the left in this photo is Don Bowen, a Marine veteran. He and his wife, Toni, invited us to attend. Don and Toni are the realtors who had our house built. They lived in it for the first 6 years before we bought it. I have a special spot in my heart for this couple.
The birthday cake was cut by the oldest Marine present (91) and served by the youngest one (42). I thought that was a nice tradition.
All branches of the service were recognized with a toast to their service to our country. Bob served in the army when we first were married.
Handsome dude, huh?
That opportunity to live in Germany while Bob served in the military got our marriage off to a wonderful start. I was stripped from my comfort zones: family, friends, language, culture, job… and placed in a “strange land” where I needed to rely on my husband, my inner core, my faith, and my ability to learn and adapt.
I landed a job (by God’s Grace) teaching first graders on the army base – it was mid-year, February – so it really was a God-thing!! And we became life-long friends with the Schallers, whose chalet we shared. Ah memories!
On this Veterans Day, I think back to those years of service and I remember all who sacrificed for our freedom. I live in gratitude – forever thankful for all who served and who are serving in our military today.
In a perfect world, we would need no armies. We would just love one another, and we’d all live in peace. Ah, I long for that day. But, I’m afraid it won’t come til Heaven. Nevertheless, I will strive for that peace in my life.
