Today is Labor Day in the USA. It’s a day to thank our workers. Thank all who make life better By their diligence … never shirkers!
Regardless of the job they have, They perform with willing heart. I’m filled with gratitude for them. They carefully do their part.
During COVID we took special care To thank our healthcare workers all. We should continue to thank them And all the others whether large or small.
No job is less important than another. All are crucial for the bottom line. Teamwork, passion, determination Are ingredients that make the results shine.
But the worker who inspires me most Is the on the job person who strives To make the world a better place By interacting with others’ lives.
Yes, it can be done at home sometimes, But what about when you want to dine out? The chef and wait staff better be there, Or you’ll be high and dry… without!
So, today I want to shout out a thanks To all the workers who make life sweeter. Here is one… our Dolly Wolly in Switzerland. You should go to her place and meet her!!
This is what it looked like then they bought it. Now the restaurant has taken on a new look. And De’s husband, Andre’ is the chef who Puts out superb dishes – he’s quite the cook!
Here are De and Andre’ with some family Sitting down to enjoy a meal… You can tell by the empty plates and smiles How good it was; how it made them feel!
So, Happy Labor Day, all you workers Who strive to serve the public with care- Whether out in front and quite visible Or hidden in back rooms, with work to share!
We appreciate the way you aim to please With passion and with determination. What you do is important and beneficial Regardless of your chosen occupation.
Thank you!
Hugs from JanBeek (volunteering at the Food Bank)
Volunteer work counts, too! Stay-at-home Mom work counts double!!
So many of the devotionals I read this morning had the theme of ships, boats, storms, and rescues. One quote that particularly struck me was, “Life is a shipwreck; sing in the life boat.” It and yesterday’s events along with the other readings today prompted this poem:
Life is a Shipwreck
Life is a shipwreck Sing in the lifeboat Thank God for our faith It keeps us afloat
When plans go astray And you can’t do as planned Just climb off the ship There’s a lifeboat on the land
Jesus is calling you To listen to His Word All you had intended to do May, in fact, be absurd
His lifeboat will take you To a much better place So sing as you sail along And keep your eyes on His face
Yesterday I was all set to go on a bus to the county fair with a group from our local nursing home. When I arrived to help out, I discovered there were only two residents going and they had two volunteers to help already. I could have gone along to be an extra pair of hands, but as I sat in the back seat between the other two (with no seatbelt in my center space), I heard the Holy Spirit telling me, “This is a shipwreck! This is not what I need you to be doing today.”
I heeded His warning and returned home where God had a lifeboat prepared for me: Bob needed to go in to Bozeman to have his hearing aids fixed and my company was needed right here at home.
Sometimes we reach out to help others, thinking that’s the service to Him that God has in mind for us, and He manages to head us off at the pass. He says, “No, your service is needed right where you are! Get off the ship. Come sing in the lifeboat!”
Life doesn’t have to be a shipwreck!!
Do you relate?
May your faith Keep you afloat As you avoid the shipwreck And let God float your boat
Listen for those instructions. Keep the faith, my friends. Avoid the shipwreck; Sing in the lifeboat!
Teacher – 24 years – loved every minute! 1961, Stockton, CA – 1st grade 1962, Germany, Wurzburg Army Base – 1st grade 1963-64, Turlock, Cunningham School – kindergarten 1964-67, Daly City, CA – K, 4th, 7th-8th 1968- 79, Hillsborough, CA – 7th/8th, K, 4th, K-6 summer school 1979-81, Hughson, CA – 1st grade & GATE classes 1982- 99, Ceres, CA – 4th grade, principal (K-8), then…
This is Lorei with me. She was my first grade student in 1961 when I first started teaching in Stockton before Bob & I were married.
Like so many of the students who came after her, my life is richer because she has stayed connected all these years.
Teaching is not just a job. It is a life choice, a passion, a joy!
Some of these dear kindergarteners are my Facebook friends today. Reach out Ortners, Leslie, Pamela Pon (where are you?), Sean, Kurt, Karen… You’re all in my heart!
… then, yes, after years in the classroom, I spent 9 years as a Principal – – – had wonderful colleagues —
The Ceres Unified School District was a delightful place to work. I have so many fond memories!
This was a great staff!!
I was invited to try my hand at working as a mentor to new principals and as the coordinator for various programs such as art, new teacher training, federal and state programs, etc. So, I went to the district office as a curriculum coordinator. It was too far away from the children! I returned to my first love: the classroom.
I had these little second graders I picture below here for two years (as 1st & 2nd graders)… it was a wonderful way to end a delightful career.
Recognition for a job well done came in many forms, but the best is knowing I made a difference in the lives of a few children and maybe helped some of my colleagues along the way, too.
I enjoyed my life as an educator immensely. I retired in 1999, but didn’t stop working. I supervised student teachers for a few years at Stanislaus State College before volunteering for a couple of years to teach illiterate adults how to read. Loved doing that! So rewarding!!
But the most important of my “jobs” in my lifetime was:
… wife, mom, homemaker, sister, friend … Never underestimate the impact & importance of those jobs! Take them seriously. Some people say that there – -on the home front- there lies the most important job of all!!
That photo is the whole Beekman clan at Bob’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. I love this photo … our daughter, DeAna, and her “Swisster” Sylviane, and our son, Ty, are on the right of this picture next to us. So, this had to have been around 1984…
And now, volunteering is part of my life … and those jobs I choose, like the Senior Center or the Food Bank, the Manor (our local nursing home) or church fellowship hour, those “jobs” are what continue to give me a sense of purpose.
27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
I’m getting back into the swing of things. It’s not easy after being gone so long. The 8 hour time change took its toll. Awake at 2:30 AM feels so wrong!
Back to sleep a few hours later; Waking at dawn feeling tired. Gotta get my zip back again. Connect to the Source and get wired!
Wired to what, you may be asking… Well, my home, faith, and community – Thankful for those things and my family – Grateful for vaccines and immunity.
A COVID outbreak occurred here Exposure at a church funeral Saturday. We were still in recovery mode, so didn’t attend. Grateful we decided to stay home that day.
Daughter De and her husband, Andre’ Went on a road trip after we left. I’m missing her lots already … Knowing she’s OK, I’m not bereft.
Mike and Tania, the newlyweds, Have been so kind to stay in touch. They send us pictures from their honeymoon, Knowing we miss the two of them so much!
Today I returned to my favorite volunteering At the nursing home here in town. I helped with the residents’ fun with Bingo. Helping others picks me up if I’m feeling down.
Getting back into the swing of things – Cooking, cleaning, laundry, volunteering Catching up with the lives of dear friends – Even on a gray, cold day makes me feel like cheering!
Mike & Tania’s beautiful silhouette in Italy
I can look back at the fun we had And I can see my family from afar. I can thank the Lord for safe travels And thank them for letting us see where they are.
I can treasure the opportunities to travel And share the highlights of our trip… But it’s time to get back into the swing Of things here in Montana. Come and sit!
Come walk in the park and go for a swing with me!
Enjoy your Friday, my friends. Have a great weekend.
I’ll see if I can get back with you Saturday. Tell me what you’re up to… What are you doing that makes you cheer?
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!!
Are you enthused about life? Have you overcome great strife? Are you ready to step out enthusiastically To conquer your challenges gleefully?
I am enthused because I look forward to returning to my volunteering today at the Madison Valley Medical Center. Ever since this pandemic shutdown last March, all the volunteers were told to stay home, socially distance, be safe, and wait this thing out. So this wonderful group of ladies who have annually saved the hospital the salary and benefits of at least two full-time staff members (as well as raising thousands of dollars in fund-raisers to donate for medical center needs) have been shut out. Yes, it was for our own safety… as well as others … but TODAY I GET TO GO BACK!!
I’m 3rd from the left second row… And yes, you read that correctly – it’s 31 thousand seven hundred dollars!
I am also enthusiastic today because after a year of searching with the Pastor Nominating Committee for a new pastor to lead our congregation forward following this strange year, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel! Our pastor of 32 years died and we’ve had a wonderful interim pastor who went out of retirement to help us. He is enthusiastically looking forward to returning to the retired life. I am looking forward to taking the next steps with our committee and our #1 candidate – – – enthusiasm bubbles over in all involved! What a wonderful way to approach Easter Sunday!
Today is Maundy Thursday. It’s the day Jesus invited the disciples into the upper room, washed their feet, and served the Last Supper. It was not with enthusiasm that they heard Him say He would die, be buried, and rise again in three days. They didn’t understand. But, I understand – so I am enthused!
The Last Supper
I am enthusiastic about the coming of Easter. I know we must endure the pain of “Good Friday” – wondering what’s good about the day Jesus dies on the cross. But, we know the rest of the story, so we can live through the remembrance of Christ’s misery because we know the way the story ends.
As a child I remember being enthusiastic about the Easter bunny and Easter egg hunts. I see no harm in that, but as an adult the focus on Easter eggs doesn’t enthuse me… not unless the story that accompanies them is the reminder of the empty tomb when the child finds the plastic egg with no candy in it… and that child is the one who wins the Golden Egg – and realizes the empty egg was the favored one!
I just returned from volunteering at the medical center as a “Purple Lady” … member of the Auxiliary. I am enthused telling you that the two nurses and a host of staff members made it possible for around 120 Madison County residents to receive their vaccines today. Many of those were receiving their second shot. I enthusiastically look forward to “herd immunity.”
Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com COVID-19 BE GONE!!
Here is my Haiku series celebrating enthusiasm:
Enthusiasm It’s a feeling of great joy Anticipation
It’s sweet engagement In delightful chosen tasks Active involvement
Looking bright ahead Accomplishments come at last Feeling in God’s Will
Seeing smiles around Others feeling included Successful efforts
Anticipating Hearing “Congratulations!” It’s a job well done
It’s shared excitement Knowing we have done our best Enthusiasm!
Reading a good book Takes you to gardens And castles and wonders Around the world.
Reading a good book Increases your vocabulary And helps you soar To heights beyond your reach.
I’m not telling you Anything you didn’t know. So, tell me about a book That carried you skyward.
I’m all ears! Recommend a good book to me.
Embrace Reading!
That’s me – reading “The Wing Ding Dilly” by Bill Peet to a 4th grade class in California. Their teacher, Mrs. Souza, invited friends on FB to ZOOM read to her class. I volunteered. You should try it! It was such fun!!
If you have followed my blog for a month or more, you have seen this journal before. The topics are inspired by life and living. I have written about: I CAN Volunteer Share Bee Hospitable Tackle Transitions etc.
Little did I know when I wrote some of those how difficult some would become. Hospitality requires guests, right? Well, so much for that! Most of our friends are afraid in this pandemic world to socialize.
Little did I know how hard it would become to volunteer. Most of my volunteer activities are forbidden right now. I can’t be a “Purple Lady” at the medical center desk. Our auxiliary couldn’t hold its fund raiser this year. We couldn’t earn the money to donate for new equipment and/or medical supplies as we have done in the past.
Yes, that’s right… $31,700. donated . And remember, we are a little town of about 1,000 residents!
We couldn’t have our usual Madison Valley Medical Center Christmas party.
Little did I realize how many opportunities I would have to “Tackle Transitions.” Back in June of 2018 when I wrote on that topic, God knew what was coming, but none of us had a clue. My transitions poem was prophetic:
Times of transition Can be disconcerting – Facing the unknown Running, dodging, skirting.
Life is full of changes; Nothing stays the same. Rolling with the punches – Listening for our name.
In the “roll call” of life, Showing up to be Ready for transitions Sometimes is difficult for me.
But I know the Leader Is my Maker who decides What my next assignment is. In Him my life abides.
So, embrace the coming changes; Set aside all fear and sorrow. Joyfully put your hand in His; He’s gotcha covered for tomorrow.
Choosing JOY in the midst of this pandemic is not easy. My list of “I Can” do’s has changed this year. But, I try to keep it positive:
I CAN Believe Only Imagine ReJOYce Whistle!
You recognize some of those. They became blogging themes. This morning’s I CAN prompted today’s post:
I CAN Keep it Simple
No large family gatherings No stockings stuffed with toys No sounds of giggling laughter From excited girls and boys
No trudging through the snow With accordion on my back No carols at windows Or St. Nicholas with his sack
It’s a different sort of year COVID-19 has changed us quite a lot We cancelled our travel plans And we altered what we bought
Christmas Day will be different We can mourn the things we miss Or we can vow to keep it simple Pray for those we cannot kiss
The virus and death took too many – They’re in Heaven with our Lord Let us focus on Christ Jesus And the grace He richly poured.
Believe the Christmas promise Jesus came to save our souls Eternity knows no endings His love comforts and consoles
Keep it Simple!
This nativity is over a hundred years old. It belonged to my grandmother. I treasure its simplicity.
My sister is one who went to her eternal home this year. Sally would have been 83 on December 20th. Eternity knows know endings. I will see her again someday. I Believe! Thank You, Jesus!!
Have a Beautiful Christmas Week! Thanks for visiting JanBeek today. See you tomorrow.
There I am in the top-middle – happily holding my two bells, ready to practice with the Ennis Bell Ringers. This photo was taken last December before all this COVID-19 pandemic was known. We learned a series of songs to play at a Christmas concert, and were set to start learning patriotic songs so we could give a concert here in Ennis on the 4th of July. And all of a sudden, everything was cancelled. You know the feeling.
I sing in our church choir, too… and those practices had to be cancelled.
I volunteered (past tense) at our Senior Center as a sous chef, and at our local hospital as a receptionist one day a week. Those opportunities to serve were cancelled.
I miss:
singing with the choir
playing with the bell ringers
volunteering as a sous chef
volunteering to work one day a week at our local hospital
visiting my friends at the local nursing home
having neighborhood parties
hugging my friends
the carefree safety of flying to California or Pennsylvania or Switzerland to be with my children and their families, my sis and my niece
the freedom to shake hands with people I meet
and so much more…
I miss family reunions
I am grateful that we live where we do because here in the Madison Valley of Montana, we still are able to:
go four-wheeling in the mountains with friends in the wide-open spaces
attend church services outside on the lawn
hug one another (Bob & me… thank God!)
wear a mask and socially distance at CostCo or our local grocery store to do our shopping
interact with family and friends using the internet… here’s my sister in her last FaceTime meeting with her daughter and grandson (a real smile – yay!)
Yay! Thank God for the magic of the internet!
We still can hop in the car and go to see the beautiful scenery around us. In places up high, there still is snow on the ground!
And thanks to the internet, friends who go to visit Yellowstone Park can send pictures of the bison – and we can enjoy the sights they see vicariously!
So, instead of focusing on what I miss, I guess I should look at the joys we still can enjoy, right? My grandson, Mike, in Switzerland, went to a friend’s wedding last weekend – and he sent me a lovely picture of him with his darling girlfriend, Tania. I miss seeing him in person and meeting his friend in person, but I am grateful that he reaches out to me and that he sent this terrific photo:
Tania must have been a bridesmaid, don’t you think? Lovely dress!!
They have those same beautiful mountains there – even prettier – that we have here in Montana. See them behind the couple? The Alps are pretty spectacular! And of course, you noticed that foot that’s stuck in the photo there, right? Someone’s having fun. I can feel the joyfulness, can’t you?
What is it that you are missing? And what are you grateful for today? Tell me!
I’m grateful for life itself… and for my health. Cheers, my friends! I’m grateful for YOU!!
See ya tomorrow. Love ya…. thanks for visiting JanBeek
