Spreading love, joy, peace, faith & unity

Posts tagged ‘sharing’

Keep Hope Alive

If you have followed my blog in the past, you know I used to post sermon notes every Sunday afternoon. I’ve not done that for a while. Today I decided, on a snowy May 23rd in SW Montana, that I have nothing better to do than to share with you my notes from last Sunday’s sermon… because with winter weather in late May, I need encouragement to “Keep Hope Alive”… and I thought maybe you could use a little encouragement, too. So here’s what Rev. Mary Grace Reynolds preached last Sunday (as filtered through my ears to my brain to you)…

Sunday’s sermon on hope was inspired (not by Jeremiah 29:11 which is one of my favorite scriptures) but by Romans 8:22-27.

Romans 8:22-27
New International Version

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

(Bold print added by me)

Paul wrote this a couple of decades
After Christ descended and ascended.
Paul addressed the anxiety of
Those who questioned Christ’s return.

We who have the First Fruits of the Spirit
Are saved by the HOPE of what we do not see.
God, who searches our hearts, knows…
God knows our every mood and emotion.

And with that scripture in mind, Mary Grace shared her sermon. Here are my notes:

KEEP HOPE ALIVE

Calvin Coolidge’s young son
Passed away because of a toe infection.
It was over 100 years ago –
Before the discovery of penicillin.

Today we have the promise of
A new vaccine to retrain cells
Of a brain tumor to attack the tumor.
The narrative of lives is being changed.

People who walked with Jesus
Had interpreted Him as saying,
“I’ll be right back…”
But Jesus was taking too long!

Paul wrote to tell the early Christians,
Who had been given the Holy Spirit,
To be patient … and keep HOPE alive.
Maybe Hope isn’t a whisper, but a shout!

Hope is more active than faith.
It is a fighter and a screamer.
The world is groaning, crying out in pain,
And people who’ve been stepped on must also.

Don’t accept the pain life throws at you.
Cry out in pain. Bark as a threatened dog.
Hope is harder to lose than faith
Because it is louder… and persistent.

We hope for things beyond our reality.
Hope gives us the strength to wait –
To be cheerleaders who, with discipline,
Keep HOPE (through the Holy Spirit) alive.

Hope feels like pain, burns like passion
When we see all the world’s injustices.
But HOPE is alive and will not give up.
Keep it alive in you. Expect its miracles!

I love this meme!

Keep hope alive!
If you have time, go to YouTube
and select one of the renditions of
“It Took a Miracle”…
and absorb those words.
So profound!
(For whatever reason,
I couldn’t imbed that song here.)
I love it…

moon in wonderful blue sky in evening
It Took a Miracle

To hang on to HOPE in a fallen world may take a miracle…
But that miracle is yours for the taking.
Take HOPE
And keep it alive!
Amen?

That’s my granddaughter, Hope, with me…
and her daughter, Sienna,
my great-granddaughter, who will be 5 next month,
and our last Boston Terrier, TazE.
HOPE is alive and well in our family.
How about yours?

Love to you,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, children, Faith, Family, God, Living in Christ's Family, Living in Harmony, Love, music, optimism, pets, relationships

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National Poetry Month

National poetry month is wrapping up. Where did April go? I am so glad I was able to hear our state’s poet laureate, Chris La Tray, this month. He certainly inspired me. Have you tried your hand at writing some poetry this month?

Our Advent study in poetry certainly enhanced that ADVENTure this year for me!

Proverbs 16:9

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

My morning devotionals in Dec. 2023 have guided my steps in 2024. The Advent team challenged us to “…hold space for our weariness and our joy… seek a thrill of hope in our hurting world… cry out for comfort… and find many ways to rejoice.”

This is the poem Rev. Sarah wrote to kick off the theme that has inspired my 2024 thus far:

So, unzip the weight you carry around, and let God inspire you also to rejoice in this weary world!

My response to that poem was to let Rev. Sarah Speed inspire me to write my own
“The Last Time I Saw God”

The last time I saw God face to face
I opened the bedroom shades.
God was every color of orange.
I was merely a mortal in awe of it all.

The sun was just rising over the Madison Range.
God was in the sunrise.
I climbed my sanctuary stairs.
God was waiting there for me;
He was the brightest yellow.

The time before that,
A three-year-old was explaining her
understanding of love.
God was the brightest red
in her precocious explanation.
Love is helping others – being kind.

And in between these small gifts
were glimpses of God
in the warm morning hug,
the gathering of church friends,
the joy of guitar accompaniment,
and the sound of congregational singing.

Why yes, we are blessed.
We are more than blessed
for the moments when
God appears and speaks
through the purple haze
in a voice sweet as morning dewdrops,
“Listen, my beloved,
I am with you.
See me, my beloved,
I am here in your every breath.”

That was not the first
nor will it be the last
time I will see
and hear God.

When is the last time you saw God face to face?
Write about it!
God bless you!

Happy National Poetry Month!
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, God, Gratitude, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Memories, Poetry, writing

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MT Poet Laureate – Part 2

Yesterday I attended a meeting
at the EllingHouse in Virginia City, MT
where our Montana Poet Laureate, Chris La Tray
presented his poetry.

My post yesterday told you a little about him.
I went expecting to be inspired.
I was not disappointed.

He shared his history
and read poems from his books.
I bought the “One Sentence Journal”
and my friends, Ann & John,
bought his book of Haiku & Haibun
(which they let me borrow for a few days).

Chris explained that Haiku does not have to strictly adhere to a syllabic count of 5-7-5 because after all, it often is translated from its origin in Japanese… and so, of course, the English version won’t have the same number of syllables. But it does have those same tell-tale three lines.

My favorite from his haiku collection was the one that got a hearty laugh last night, just as he told us it tickles the fancy of school children when he shares it with them. Shows you where my maturity level is, right? Or maybe it is reminiscent of finding our puppy’s mess in the house – ah, house training is such a challenge!

bare feet skilled
at finding cat puke
in the dark

Mike Gibbons wrote the preface to Chris’ #2 book. In his commentary he said, “… take your time with this book, these seasonal discoveries in American haiku form. Spare and compact poems are best consumed slowly, thoughtfully, just like the Buddhist tradition they sprang from, snapshots – bird tracks on snow.”

I like that… “bird tracks on snow.” Do you relate?

white goose on snow covered ground at daytime
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In both of his books,
Chris La Tray separates the writing
into the four seasons.
This one would be in the winter section, of course.

fresh snow and ice
the bleary party-goer
turns for home

Haibun is a poetic form
that includes a prelude in prose
followed by a haiku.
Here is one of my favorites
from HIs book #2.

“A visit to Walden Pond with swimming.
The trees surrounding the pond are red and gold and green
and every shade in between.
Leafy reflections ripple across the surface of the water.
I feel no less reverent for having visited before.
In the year’s final quarter it remains hot and humid,
and the beach is populated with swimmers.
Who am I to resist?”

face down
the naturalist
writes our world

This “naturalist” is a proud member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He lives near Missoula, Montana. His writing reflects his Native American background, his love of nature, his talent in the art of short-form poetry, and as one reviewer said, “his humor, sensitivity and clear eye for ‘what is’…” (Holly Wren Spaulding).

I thank the Whites for inviting me and allowing me to share this delightful evening with them. I’m gonna go now and curl up with his “One-Sentence Journal.” See ya later.

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Haiku, Love, Montana, Poetry, writing

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Montana Poet Laureate

Today I received an invitation to attend: Chris La Tray, Montana Poet Laureate AT THE ELLING HOUSE, VIRGINIA CITY, MT
APRIL 27, 7-9PM
Chris La Tray, Poet, Storyteller

My friend, Ann White, sent me this description of our state’s poet laureate along with an invitation to attend. I am excited about going. Reading this blurb about LaTray inspired the poet in me… read on:

La Tray is a Métis storyteller and an enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He is the author of One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large. His next book, Becoming Little Shell will be published by Milkweed Editions in 2024.

Chris La Tray approaches the practice of poetry the same as he does the spiritual life of an Anishinaabe person: which is to say, if one lives an Anishinaabe life, with particular attention to the seven guiding principles of the Seven Grandfather teachings – Humility, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Truth, Respect, and Love – then every footstep becomes a prayer. Similarly, if one approaches poetry in a similar fashion, recognizing that everything that happens may be viewed as a poem, and that every moment in life is an experience best paid constant and careful attention to, then every footstep becomes a poem. Whether as words on a page or shared orally, poetry becomes another means for telling and sharing stories; La Tray’s programs exist to remind people that their stories matter, that they are the only ones who can properly tell them, and that poetry, however it is defined, is a beautiful means for doing so.

Photo by Andreas Wohlfahrt on Pexels.com

I was so inspired by “… every footstep becomes a poem…” that I contemplated those feet that created those footsteps and remembered my small feet and their paths when I was a child. I decided to try my hand at a poem before going tonight to be inspired by Chris La Tray. What do you think?

Visiting Life’s Back Corners

I see vividly our home
White with green trim
A raised tulip bed
All tucked at the end of
Fig Lane in Newman, California.

Clear in my rear view mirror
Are my walks to kindergarten
With my older sister, Sally
And my afternoons
With “Aunt Artie” in town.

I hear her animated voice
Reading to me – and then
Walking me to the library
To select a few books
Of my own to read to her.

I see our move from town
To the house next to Grandma’s
And feel my spine prickle
As I run through the yard
Chased by a riotous TomTurkey.

I taste the delicious fennel
A treat we called “sweet anise”
And feel the warm sun on my back
As Sally and I sit on the porch
Waiting for Mom to come.

In the back corner of my mind
I remember Billy coming.
A troublesome cousin whose parents
Were getting a divorce.
And I cringe at his destruction.

Laden with my meager belongings
I sense the distress of another move
Far out in God-forsaken smelly country
Away from Grandma and first grade friends
A long walk and an hour’s bus ride to a new school.

I see vividly Crows Landing Elementary School
And remember the important lessons learned
Mrs. Yetter, Ms. Horwedle, Mr & Mrs Marlow
Excellent teachers who validated and inspired me
Living still in the back corners of my mind.

Visiting life’s back corners
Congers up warm and happy memories
Of an idyllic Ozzie & Harriet childhood
Any troubles fade into a hazy blur
As every footstep becomes a poem.

See ya tomorrow
after I experience Chris La Tray.

Sure wish you could join me
as our footsteps to
Virginia City’s Elling House
become a new and vibrant poem.
God Bless You, Ann, for inviting me!

Love,
JanBeek

Ah, sweet memories
Of me with my daddy
in that smelly back country home.
I’ll write about that another day…

Category:

blessings, children, Family, friendship, learning, Love, Memories, Montana, Poetry, relationships, writing

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Fun with Family

We had fun with family last weekend.
We celebrated our great-granddaughter,
Charlotte’s first birthday
with an outing to the Olive Garden
in Bozeman, Montana.

What a cutiepie, huh?

Her brother, Xander (almost seven)
and her sister, Sienna (4)
received stuffed animals
as special gifts from my friend, Ted.
So kind of him! The kids loved ’em!!

Xander enjoyed sharing Charlotte’s new books with her.

The children’s mom (our granddaughter, Hope)
and Pam (the kids’ paternal grandmother)
made it possible for us all to be together.
We’re so grateful!

1 Timothy 5:8

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives,
and especially for members of his household,
he has denied the faith
and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Oh my! What an important scripture, huh?
The operative word is “provide.”
There are many ways to do so…
and having fun with them
on special occasions
is definitely one of them!


Tell me about fun you have had with family recently!

Fun to look back at
Fun with Family!

I’m sending my Love to you today.
I pray you have an opportunity today
(or soon)
to have
FUN WITH FAMILY!

With hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, children, Family, food, friendship, Gratitude, happiness, Living in Harmony, Love, prayer, relationships

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Need a Chuckle?

Sometimes life just gets too serious.
When I feel like I need a break from that serious stuff,
I tune in to FaceBook… but only the places there that bring me joy.
Here is one of them… try it out! It’s a place for CRANKY OLD LADIES
If clicking on that title didn’t take you there, try this link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/691523582050399/posts/1125503371985749

Enough for today… Go out and enjoy this gorgeous springtime day!
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, happiness, humor, mental health, Sharing

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One Word

Daily writing prompt
What is one word that describes you?
View all responses

No way!
No way can
One word describe
Me
or You!

We are waaay more complex than that.
Don’t you agree?

Take a look…
Can you come up with one word?

Look up for your purpose!

How about YOU?
A single word?
I doubt it!

Love ya,
JanBeek

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Life's Challenges, mental health, Sharing

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Middle Name Expedition

I found this blog to be so fascinating and so well written that I just have to share it with you. Tell me, are you as enchanted as I am with the linguistic artistry of this post?

The Middle Name Expedition: Unveiling the Hidden Treasures Within
I just discovered this young man today.
A great discovery!

Hugs from Janet Laura (JanBeek)

Cheers to Alex Pendell of
A Life Well Lived

Category:

blogging, Love, writing

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Middle Names

Daily writing prompt
What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
View all responses

My middle name is Laura.
I was named after one of my dad’s sisters (Aunt Laura).
Twenty-one years later,
it ended up being the name
of my mother-in-law
(Laura Belle).
And eight years later,
we named our daughter DeAna Laura.

The name Laura is the feminized form of laurus, Latin for “bay laurel plant”, which in the Greco-Roman era was used as a symbol of victory, honor or fame. The name represents the embodiment of victory and strength.

In British North America, the name Laura reached 17th most popular in 1880 and 1882, but dropped to #43 in 1899. It was among the top 50 names for female newborns for much of the early 20th century in the United States, but dropped to No. 100–120 between 1930 and 1950; reached No. 10 in 1969, and has since steadily decreased in popularity.

In Europe, Laura remains popular.
In 2009 it ranked within the top 10
in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia,
Greenland, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland.

(Isn’t that interesting, given the fact that
DeAna Laura now lives in Switzerland?)

Here is my mother-in-law, Laura Belle
with our daughter, DeAna Laura.
(That was almost 50 years ago!)
Two very precious ladies
of victory and strength!

What is your middle name?
And what significance does it have?

Cheers to you
from Janet Laura & DeAna Laura

Category:

children, Family, Love, relationships, Sharing

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The Best Gift

Daily writing prompt
Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received.
View all responses

The best gift of all
Jesus gave to us one day
With His sacrifice

It’s eternal life
Promised by His life and death
Free for those who thirst

“Therefore I tell you,
whatever you ask for in prayer,
believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours.”

Mark 11:24 

2 Corinthians 9:15

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

Gifts come wrapped with bows
Must be untied and unwrapped
You’re the receiver

Even God’s own Son
Won’t come and break in your door
You must open it

Revelation 3:20

American Standard Version
Behold, I stand at the door and knock:
if any man hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in to him,
and will sup with him,
and he with me.

Accept your best gift
Untie the bow; Open door
Accept faith with joy

Return the favor
By the joy you radiate
Your gift back to Him!

God Bless You!

Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Belief, Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, Giving, God, Haiku, Jesus, Living in Christ's Family, Love, Poetry, Promises

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