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Posted on November 10, 2021 by beverlyeash

If you are serious about making changes and setting intentions to live a purposeful life, some considerations are in order.

23Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Proverbs 4:23-27

I am easily sidetracked. Today as we hiked in Sedona, I used an All Trails app to keep us on the trail. At one point, we reached a fork — right or left? I thought we should go to the left. Dave thought we should go to the right. We went to the left but I agreed that in a few yards I would check the trail map to verify we were on the right course. We walked 20 yards. I checked the map. Nope! We needed to go to the right.

I was glad for the navigational help of All Trails. It kept me true to my intentions. You see, before we left the parking lot, we stated our intentions. We purposefully chose a course based on distance, difficulty and time. By referring to the map, we were assured of a desired outcome. At the end, we could say we did it on purpose, with intention.

How do I want live intentionally? What will I do to achieve that goal? What do I need to stay on course?

I want to be an intentional grandparent, so I participated in a class called “Grandparenting Matters.” In it I was affirmed in my role as a grandparent and equipped with ideas and resources to be intentional in my role.

I want to be intentional in my spiritual life. I regularly spend time reading not only scripture, but other spiritual writings that help guide me in intentional spirituality. I meet with a spiritual director once a month for accountability. I meet regularly with likeminded followers of Jesus for encouragement.

I want to be intentional in relationships. Busyness so easily robs us of meaningful relationships so we formed a dinner club with four other couples that meets once a month. I make time to spend time with women who encourage and challenge me. My sisters, mom and I regularly make time to be together even though we live thousands of miles apart.

I invite you to spend time exploring the ways you want to live with more intentionality. Consider relationships you want to maintain or develop, hobbies/ skills you want to explore, roles you hold in your social setting, organizations you are a part of, causes you would like to support — what is working well? What needs tweeking? What is just plain broken? Begin with this evaluation and see where it takes you!

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Posted on November 9, 2021 by beverlyeash

Intention. Intentional. Intentional living. Living on purpose.

I meant to do it.

“I meant to do it!” said no child ever when confronted by his mother with an infraction. At least he won’t admit to doing it on purpose. Yet, our actions and the course of our life do come from intentional decisions. It might just be that the intentional decision was the unintentional result of lack of intentional decision.

Did you follow that? Me neither. So let’s break it down.

Life is the accumulation of lots of decision and intentions. At times, it is also the failure to plan or be intentional that defines life.

This week we are in Sedona, Arizona with my husband’s sisters and their spouses. Last night, as we hiked up Doe Mountain to watch the sunset, the eight of us talked about some tragedies that have occurred in our various communities the last number of weeks. We were reminded how quickly life changes and reaffirmed our intentional decision to plan time together on a regular routine.

That started me thinking. How often do I say, “When I get to this age/milestone, I will….” But what if I don’t reach that age or milestone. Always waiting to get to some nebulous point in the future to make that change, do that thing, form a good habit, repair a relationship, learn a new skill or take a vacation.

How would life look differently if I lived with intention? What changes would I make? I recently set my intention and I already see benefit in the two weeks since I did it. Here’s what I decided: no matter where I find myself laying down to sleep, I will live with joy with no regret or guilt for wherever I am.

8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Phillipians 4:8-9

What are you putting aside until later? How can you live with intention right now? Is it relationships that need mending? Vacations that need taking? Skills learned? Mindsets changed?

I think it’s time to make the change! Set your intention and live on purpose!

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Posted on November 8, 2021 by beverlyeash

Last week I shared beauty tips. Getting rid of things that don’t serve me is a best practice to a beautiful life. As it goes, I had the opportunity to put into practice the beauty tips I shared. It’s not easy and changes aren’t instantaneous, but beauty isn’t quick and easy either.

This day, I am challenged to consider carefully what I allow into my mind. Who gets to decide how I feel and what I pursue? Jesus is an excellent example. Listen to what the gospel of John records about him.

24But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. 25No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.

John 2:24-25

41“Your approval means nothing to me. . . (said by Jesus to a group of religious people)

John 5:41

I know I don’t have it all figured out. I think and say things I shouldn’t. I make mental judgments that aren’t kind. The opinions of others mean too much to me.

Yet I know that I am being changed bit by bit into the likeness of Christ. Focusing on what I think others think or on my own failings is not transforming. The Holy Spirit transforms me.

18So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Beauty tip for today: let go of the approval of others and trusting in or waiting for others to give you the green light. Look intently into the face of Jesus and wait for his nod of consent.

Today, this one’s for me first and you second!

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Posted on November 5, 2021 by beverlyeash

As I sit in my home office, I look out at the driveway covered in leaves. I know my summer plants are still in their pots on the deck, the ferns are still hanging on their hooks, the cushions are still out. I hear the beginning of that awful phrase in my head that says “You should…” because others have their fall work all buttoned up.

It isn’t just fall work. It might be my diet — keto, mediterannean, paleo, whole 30, clean; my exercise routine — PX90, Barre3, pilates, yoga, beach body, HIIT, virtual training; the subscriptions I have, the car I drive, where I shop, if I recycle, if I change my home decor by seasons, how I entertain — there is no end to the ways I can compare myself to some invisible, unspoken standard of being and doing.

There is a growing trend in advertising and fitness emphasizing acceptance of all people. No matter the shape, size, color, ability – everyone is worthy and is enough just as they are. I love that trend! It’s excellent! It follows the heart of God and is worth achieving. But sometimes even that is overwhelming. Am I accepting enough? Have I accepted in exactly the right way?

Here is the beauty tip for today. Let go of the idea that there is a standard to meet that applies to all people. Over and over scripture affirms people are created equally and uniquely but not alike. We aren’t supposed to be alike. Whether it is what I do, how I look, what I like, what I drive, where I live, how I exercise — I let go of perfection to embrace the IMPERFECTION that is me!

Scripture also emphasizes that we are all fallen. So while I strive to put on the mind of Christ and love others with unconditional love, I will fail. That’s why Jesus came. I need help. Knowing I will fail doesn’t make it acceptable. It makes it normal. I fail but I get back up. I receive grace from Jesus and extend that grace to others. Once again, letting go of the idea I will live perfectly, I embrace my imperfection and gratefully receive grace from others, from God and from myself.

If there is one benefit to growing older, it is the wisdom that accompanies age. I see so clearly that my preferences are good for me, but not necessary for you. I do a better job of taking care of me in a way that honors who I am and allowing you to do the same. I’m not there yet, but every day I move a little further in the right direction.

Is letting go of perfection the beauty strategy you need to adopt today? Is your imperfection getting in the way of true beauty? Remember . . .

IMPERFECTION = I’M PERFECT

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Posted on November 4, 2021 by beverlyeash

My oldest daughter has developed a keen interest in proper skin care. Now, I know there are those who splash water on the face a couple times a day and call it good. Depending on what a person wants, that might be the answer. I wanted more so I tapped my daughter on the shoulder and asked if she could help me develop a skin care regimen. Her first question to me: what are you wanting to achieve?

Isn’t that a great question! It forces me to verbalize what I desire. Am I hoping to find a fountain of youth in a bottle? Am I trying to get rid of age spots? Acne? What do I really want to see?

My answer — I wanted brighter skin. It seemed my skin was greying and I didn’t like it. Great! Now she knew exactly what to recommend.

Beauty tip for today — for a brighter face get rid of your sins!

13“If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! 14Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. 15Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.

Job 11:13-15

21So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

James 1:21

Sin is not a popular topic in the current culture. It seems the focus is on whatever seems best to the individual (which sounds a lot like something I read in Judges 21: “all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”)

Truth is we are all sinners. It simply means we missed the mark and went our own way. Deciding autonomy was better than obedience to God. Refusing to own it separates me from God and the peace, power and light he brings into my life.

Today the beauty tip is this: own your sin and get rid of it. If you really want a face that is bright, strong and free from fear — confess your sin and come into relationship with God through Jesus. It will be the greatest gift you ever give your face!

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Posted on November 3, 2021 by beverlyeash

On several occasions recently I experienced some trouble with my eyes. It occurred as I prepared to go out for the day. I’m not sure what but something foreign got into my eye causing it to burn, itch and water uncontrollably. It didn’t last long, I suppose because the watering of my eye washed out the foreign substance. It was certainly uncomfortable.

If someone had asked me during those minutes of discomfort to see what was in her eye, I would have had to decline. I could barely keep my eye open, let alone focus on what might be in another’s eye.

Beauty tip for today: take care of your own eyes before trying to help someone else.

41“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 42How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

Luke 6:41-42

This admonition from Jesus is all about proper perspective. It’s much easier to point out the faults in another than to take responsibility for our own struggles. Yesterday I spoke with a friend regarding a counseling appointment. She said it was good but she didn’t get quite as much pity as she wanted. I was impressed with her honesty. It made her squirm to take responsibility for her own junk rather than point out the speck in the other’s eye. I applauded her willingness to do the hard work of personal renovation. That’s courageous!

What do you need to do to take responsibility for your own junk today? Is it easier to point fingers or put the blame on another? The truly beautiful thing is to get rid of your own junk and I bet the interest in someone else’s junk won’t be quite as appealing.

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Posted on November 2, 2021 by beverlyeash

Beauty tip for today … get rid of what isn’t serving you. Besides consuming your time and brain energy, it gives you wrinkles, heart burn and maybe even gut trouble.

Imagine with me, if you will, that person or situation that really bothers you. It might have been a legitimate wrong against you or it might have been a slight that just didn’t feel great. Sit with it a moment. Be aware of where it sits in your body. Allow it to be there, feel its presence, notice how your body responds. Where are you feeling it?

Sometimes I feel it in my gut. It’s like someone is taking a hand whip and beating me up on the inside. Other times, I feel it in the center of my chest. It’s a sick feeling that feels like I swallowed an orange. Of course, it also affects my countenance — my brow furrows, my mouth turns down, my eyes darken with sadness. Overall, it has a devastating effect on my physical body.

So it’s time to take this next admonition seriously! Get rid of whatever is making your body react so negatively.

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of it all! Do you want a pleasant countenance and good health? Get rid of the bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander! Beauty tip #1 – forgive the offense and the offender! It will be good for you!

Here’s a secret that maybe you haven’t thought about — the feelings you feed against someone else or a situation — it isn’t hurting that other person. They are fine. They don’t have gut issues, wrinkles or anything else. They are going about their day without knowledge of the bitterness you feel. For your health – let it go!!

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Posted on November 1, 2021 by beverlyeash

What does it look like out your window? My view is filled with the reds, yellows and browns of fall leaves intermingled with the green of hemlocks and other evergreens that hold onto their color even in winter. Very few of the leaves have fallen yet, but I know they will. The trees eventually let go of their summer growth preparing for a time of deep sleep.

During this period of dormancy, “a tree’s metabolism, energy consumption, and growth all slow down significantly in order to endure the harsh season of winter when water and sunlight are more scarce. Dormancy occurs in stages; it begins in the fall with the loss of leaves. A chemical called Abscisic Acid is released, which signals the leaves to detach so trees do not expend energy in keeping them alive during the winter.”

I believe there is something to learn from this habit of the tree. I recently purchased a sign that says, “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” As I ponder that truth, my mind is flooded with things I need to let go. Holding on requires time and energy that depletes my resources for the things that really matter.

. . . but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14

I do well to let go of my past. The failures of my past keep me from stepping into new places in my present. When I continue to recall and keep alive the memory of what I didn’t do or didn’t do well, I prevent myself from taking a risk today. Letting go of the past, giving myself a chance to do it differently, enables me to be the person God put me together to be.

The same can be said of accomplishments of the past. If I live always recalling the award I won, the place I held or the accolades of yesterday, I won’t step into a new challenge today. The successes of yesterday cannot be the end all. As the song goes, “If I’m not dead then you’re not done.” Since I am not dead, I want to look forward to what is next.

Letting go of my past is a beautiful thing. It allows me to live fully in the present with a heart and mind attentive to the possibility of today. Getting stuck in the past drains my energy and depletes my resources. It’s not a place I want to live.

I invite you to consider the beautiful result of letting IT go — whatever IT is.

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Posted on October 29, 2021 by beverlyeash

15The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens. . . . 19But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including his people, his own special possession. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!

Jeremiah 51:15, 19

15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20and through him God reconciled everything to himself.

Colossians 1:15-19

This reminder from scripture is a beautiful way to end the week and step into the weekend. It is our Father God, Yahweh, who created the world. He preserves it by His wisdom. Christ, who is the visible image of God, is also supreme over all creation and continues to sustain it, to hold it all together.

I love the progression from the verses in Jeremiah to Paul’s letter to the church in Colosse. Both writers state that God created the world and sustains it. Jeremiah emphasizes that humans are God’s prized possession. Paul emphasizes that through Christ, humans are all reconciled to him.

Today I take comfort and meditate on these two truths — A) I am His–the Creator of the world’s– prized possession and B) through Christ, I am reconciled to Him!

Go ahead, stand up and do a little happy dance! You are reconciled to the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe and it’s a happy day!!

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Posted on October 28, 2021 by beverlyeash

Wednesday as I prepared to go to the beach again, I packed differently. I thought about what it takes to get into the water, past the crashing waves and into the deep. Sometimes it is about having the right tools and the right helper.

Going into the deep is scary. The thought of what might happen or what it will be like keeps some folks on the shore. But what if a person could be assured of making the trek safely? Even better, what if someone accompanied her on the journey?

Along with the regular beach necessities like chairs, towels, sunscreen and water, I took pool noodles and a friend. Pool noodles — you know those bouyant, brightly colored cylinders used for flotation in a pool — also provide a bit of bouyant courage in the ocean. And a friend — that’s all I need sometimes to get past the difficult beginnings of a new venture.

Sure enough! Walking into the water with a friend by my side and a noodle around our waists was all we needed to get past the crashing waves into the deep water where we floated and undulated with the waves coming in from somewhere we couldn’t see.

Perhaps you are wanting to go deep with God but you don’t really know how to get there. It seems mysterious, scary and a bit impossible. I recommend the right tools and maybe a friend.

At times, all it takes is a spiritual friend willing to listen and help you see how God is already present in your life. I have, for the better part of twenty-five years – informally helped others see where God is at work in their lives. By listening carefully to their stories and asking good questions, the confidence to go deep with God is ignited and realized.

Perhaps you also need a spiritual friend. Someone to listen to your story, to ask a few good questions and fan into flame the spark already ignited within.

If you are considering spiritual direction, I would love to talk with you about it. It really can provide a transition from the shore into the deep!

10God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11

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