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Posted on September 15, 2021 by beverlyeash

Peace. Is peace the absence of conflict? Or is it, perhaps, something more substantive than that?

I am sure I am not the only one who has gone to some sort of event — for many it is a family gathering — under the guise of peace. The goal is to eliminate arguments, fist fights and undercurrents of sarcasm and the gathering is declared a peaceful event. When in reality, all participants have silently agreed to lay aside their differences for a day or two in order to experience a “peaceful” event. The underpinnings of trouble are still there, dormant for the moment but always primed to burst into full view given the chance.

One of the descriptive phrases Isaiah uses to describe Jesus is Prince of Peace.

6For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

The Hebrew word translated peace is shalom, a word many of us have heard at one time or another. The word is a noun and means holistic peace and well-being. Holistic means to emphasize the whole of something rather than its parts. So, the peace that Jesus brings is about your whole being — mind and heart. I really love this word.

Later in Isaiah’s writing, he describes the condition of the people of God. They struggled to live well. He describes them in this way . . .

8They don’t know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace.

Isaiah 59:8

It sounds a lot like people today. Where do we find peace? Even in places we might expect to find peace, there is conflict and unrest. Isaiah announced the coming of the Messiah and, in Jesus, his prophecies are fulfilled. The gospel of John records Jesus’ declaration of peace in his final words to the disciples before the crucifixion.

27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 

John 14:27

33I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

The place to find peace is in Jesus. He gives holistic peace — of both mind and heart — that the world cannot replicate. You see, this world will bring trouble, but Jesus says to TAKE HEART! He has overcome the world.

Are you weighed down under a load of mental anguish? Does your heart cry out for peace? Is your mind exhausted? Perhaps it is time to respond to the invitation of Jesus to take on his yoke and leave your burdens with him. Allow him to ease the pain and fill you with his peace.

One more scripture comes to mind. Read Paul’s words to the believers in Philippi.

6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

As always, this type of work is best done in the company of a good spiritual advisor or friend. If you find you have no one, feel free to reach out to me through the contact link above.

SHALOM!

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Posted on September 14, 2021 by beverlyeash

In the overnight hours, the scripture from Isaiah 9 promising a Messiah, someone to carry my burdens and set me free, ran through my mind. Isaiah foretells the birth of a child followed by qualifying phrases that describe what the Messiah will accomplish and the kind of person he will be to his people. The first phrase he uses is especially thought provoking.

6For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.

Isaiah 9:6

Pause a moment and meditate on the phrase. The government will rest on his shoulders. What image does this phrase inspire in you? What does it look like for the Messiah to carry the government on his shoulders? Is it like Atlas holding the earth?

The phrase “rest on his shoulders” is an idiom — a group of words for which the meaning has been developed by usage rather than what the individual words mean. In this instance, the phrase means “to be the sole responsibility of someone.”

Now take a moment to meditate on this idea: the government will be his sole responsibility.

It is no wonder the religious people in Jesus day expected him to overthrow Rome and introduce a new government of which he would be the King. After all, wasn’t that what Isaiah had prophesied. Obviously there was a disconnect because Jesus resisted every effort to be crowned king on earth. He knew his purpose was beyond an earthly reign.

Jesus didn’t come to earth to regain power or to assert his power. Power wasn’t the question. It was authority Jesus came to take back from the enemy. Recall chapter 3 of Genesis when the serpent came to Adam and Eve. At creation, God gave authority to Adam and Eve to rule on earth. He told them to subdue the earth and fill it. (Genesis 1-2) When Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the forbidden tree – knowing good and evil, they surrendered the authority given to them by the Creator. They gave it away just like that.

When the time was right, Jesus humbled himself and came as a man to do what Adam and Eve, and all humans since then, were unable to do — say no to Satan and take back authority over the earth. In this way, the government – authority – rests on the shoulders of Jesus.

18Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:18

It isn’t the governments of the world that rest on his shoulders. It is bigger than that. It is the government of the heavenlies — all authority in heaven and on earth. “What difference does that make to me'” you ask? Great question.

I find that when I am not careful, the activity and actions of not only my government, but other governments as well, distract me. It distracts me from keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus, the One who carries all of it on his shoulders. I begin to feel responsible to carry the government on my shoulders. It is a heavy weight and before long, I stumble under the load. Then I am reminded it isn’t mine to carry. It is his. Then I recall Isaiah’s words to the nation of Israel. He says this:

11The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, 12“Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. 13Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. 14He will keep you safe.

Isaiah 8:11-14

Who are you looking to for safety and consolation? Have you taken on the care of the government? The world? Is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in our life? Do you hold him in a place of reverent awe and respect? Does he make you tremble?

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Posted on September 13, 2021 by beverlyeash

In my journeying on Friday, I happened upon a young girl carrying a backpack. She was a very slight person, in her teens, with long slender arms that hung at her sides, her finger tips resting on equally slender legs. Her backback was nearly half her size and it hung on her like a burden, sliding down her back and over her backside. The whole scene invoked a feeling of sadness in me. I wanted so desperately to relieve her of the backpack and offer to carry it to her destination.

In life, we often carry burdens. While these cannot be seen with the human eye, they are as heavy and tiresome as if we carried an oversized backpack stuffed to its limits. It might be caring for children or elderly parents; jobs or tasks not well suited to our interests or talents; health or financial difficulties; a season of change like building a house or moving to a new area; an impending change in the future whether it be marriage or retirement. One thing is certain in life, there will be burdens to bear. The question is not, “Will I face a difficult situation?” but rather, “What will I do when I face a difficult situation?”

The prophet Isaiah recorded a promise given to him regarding the coming Messiah. It bears repeating today.

1Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever . . . 4For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. 6For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7. . . The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

Isaiah 9:1-7

The outstanding aspect of this promise is the final statement – the passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! There is no promise given to us by God that has not already or will not be fulfilled in the future.Here he promises to lift the heavy burdens from our shoulders. This has been fulfilled for us in Jesus.

28Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

What burden is weighing you down today? What keeps you from surrending it to Jesus? He is offering an exchange of burdens — yours for his. While many times the burdens we bear do not come with instructions or training in carrying them, his yoke comes with instructions and the after market service is 24/7/365. Why not take him up on it?

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

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Posted on September 10, 2021 by beverlyeash

A few days ago, a friend shared that she didn’t know if she could relate to someone who was dealing with grief. She had never experienced this type of loss, so could she relate?

I encouraged her that, indeed, she could relate! She may not have experienced exactly the same loss in the exactly the same way, but she knows loss.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, reminds the believers that ultimately, comfort is from God. God comforts us in our troubles so we can reach out and comfort others.

3All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort.  4He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

There are times when I wonder if I can really relate to someone’s life situation. I wasn’t raised in the city so can I relate to someone who was? I was one of seven children so what do I have to offer an only child? The list goes on and on. How can I relate to someone who is different from me? Maybe we are all the same in different kinds of ways.

It seems to be the season of new song releases and there is one by for King and Country that speaks to this issue. I have enjoyed listening to it and thinking beyond my own limitations and experiences. Maybe it speaks to you as well.

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Posted on September 9, 2021 by beverlyeash

As I prepared to write this post, I took a few minutes to read a friend’s Caring Bridge update. She just received her final immunotherapy treatment for the cancer she discovered last year. I celebrated with her as she shared, “IT IS FINISHED!”

Today, I invite you to celebrate with me as I say, “IT IS FINISHED!” While not even close to a cancer journey, The Cabin is done! The final light is lit, the last log sealed, the flooring laid, the windows set. It is done!

My dream for The Cabin has always been to provide a quiet space for retreat, restoration and renewal; a place to connect with God through nature and solitude. The dream is gaining momentum and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Now that the space is ready, we are working to furnish it to make it livable. A website is underconstruction devoted to The Cabin and what is available for someone seeking solitude and quiet. Individual retreats and guided retreats with or without spiritual direction are all possible.

10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10

These words from Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus mean more to me now than ever. I believe God’s plan for me includes the good work of sharing The Cabin as a respite for weary travelers to meet with him and be renewed.

If you are weary, consider taking time away for some quiet and solitude. Perhaps not at The Cabin, but somewhere you can unhook and listen for his whispers of love and refreshment! I am certain . . .

6And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6

Here are a few before and afters and a sneak peek to the finished space as we prepare to add the furniture, rugs and amenities to give it the final touches!

If you are interested in information about The Cabin and reserving your personal retreat time, please message me through the Contact page linked above. Until the website is finished, that is the best way to let me know of your interest.

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Posted on September 8, 2021 by beverlyeash

September. What does that mean to you? It seems it slipped in quietly without any word or warning. It was just here.

When I was growing up, it meant school started. We always had one last summer hurrah camping with family in a remote, primitive campground. No running water, electric, showers or indoor plumbing. There was a genuine outhouse every now and then. I’m not sure I would like that with my middle of the night trips to the bathroom. The campground was also called “Spotted Bear” so that makes for a nervous run to the loo.

September also meant apple cider, falling leaves, cold mornings, fire in the stove, preserving garden produce, new shoes and notebooks. As much as it felt like the end of something, it was also the beginning.

I love the changing of seasons, but my favorite is fall. It is a signal to slow down, snuggle up and rest. After a busy spring and summer of growing and tending what grows, I am ready to rest.

Scripture also has something to say about seasons. There is a time for everything. What season are you enjoying right now? Are you just ending one season and entering something new? Perhaps you are just beginning something new, like marriage or parenthood. Whatever it is, remember life is filled with seasons. None last forever and the one you are in now will soon pass. So, take heart and love where you are.

1For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 5A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 6A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 8A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

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Posted on September 6, 2021 by beverlyeash

Three years ago I started this blog. The post today is reprinted from my beginning days of writing. Friday as I was writing, my reading took me to Psalm 46, quoted at the end of this post. It invited me to pause again and remember that God is God and I am not. I hope it does the same for you.

From September, 2018

Be Still …. and Know!

Last Saturday my daughters, granddaughter and I flew to Florida to celebrate my youngest daughter’s 25th birthday. Wow! My youngest daughter is 25! What happened to the time? How did the years sneak by so quickly? What am I going to be when I grow up? (I don’t know if we ever stop asking that question.) 

We settled into our house and gathered a few groceries, determined to rest and unwind. My granddaughter found resting and unwinding a bit more difficult which also made it more difficult for us to relax. She was up at 5 a.m. the first morning and 6 a.m. the second morning. But the third day she settled into a new rhythm and found her particular cadence. She had a restful cheerfulness about her that was beautiful to behold.

In the midst of all of this I found an unrest building in my spirit. Agitation mounted for no particular reason and I needed rest; not rest for my body but rest for my soul. I suggested a drive to the beach.

Arriving at the nearly empty beach with miles of crystal white sand spreading out in both directions, I began to walk. As I walked, I listened to the beach. I heard the waves washing on the shore, birds squawking noisily, wind blowing over the water, quiet conversations of other beach goers, the soft pad of the runner making her way down the beach, the labored breathing of another runner.

I smelled the beach. The beach has a  particular smell that is difficult to describe. It is the water, sand, salt and wind all swirled together. Mix in food, sunscreen and fishiness and you have the beach. I breathed it in. Deep, cleansing breaths that slowly began to still the agitation.

I felt the beach. Fine sand, pounded smooth by the waves felt as solid as concrete under me. The water, a warm 85 degrees, washed over my feet at varying intervals. Shells along the way made me cautious about stepping down too carelessly lest I hit a broken edge. The wind blew across my skin cooling it as quickly as the sun heated it. Sun shining on my back felt warm and tingly.  I felt the back of my legs begin to color as the sun beat upon them. The salt of the water created a fine layer of sediment on exposed skin, stinging sensitive areas around my eyes and on my face.

I saw the beach. The water was not as clear as usual. Red tide colored it a grayish-green-red color. It looked angry but it didn’t feel angry. As I watched the waves come in and I thought about red tide and all the marine life that died as a result, I prayed. I thanked God for the water and what it provides for us. I asked God to heal the water and to forgive us for the way we recklessly misuse the good things God has given. I looked at the sky stretching endlessly along the horizon and marveled at the clear blue color, the purity of the white clouds dotting the sky.

I tasted the beach. The salt of the water flavored the sand with its pungent saltiness. Gritty sand, with even the best intentions, ends up on my hands and face. Eventually it sneaks into my mouth. Fine particles of sand settle into the ridges of my teeth grating and grinding with every word spoken.

As I rejoined the others sitting in the sand, peace had been restored. I needed to meet God in this place. I needed to let him wash away my concerns; I need to hear him in the wind and see him in the ocean waves. I needed to be reminded of the immensity of who he is and that he sees me. Psalm 139:9-10 remind me that there is nowhere I can go that he is not. It says, “If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” 

As I experienced the beach with all five of my senses I intentionally sealed those experiences in my mind. Now, even when I am at home in Indiana surrounded by woods and it is 56 degrees and cloudy, I can “go to the beach.” This experience is sealed in my mind, waiting to be retrieved when the chaos becomes too much.

What about you? Where do you go? What experiences have you sealed away in your mind to be revisited when necessary? Unfortunately for many of us, we have negative experiences sealed away that we revisit too many times. I will write about that next time, but for now I want to help you create a positive memory bank.

Think about the types of activity that bring you peace. Is it walking, listening to the burble of a stream, the rush of wind, the rustle of leaves in the wind? Do you feel energized when you have a few minutes alone with quiet music? Is it focus on a particular phrase of scripture or a breath prayer?

I would like to lead you through a simple exercise designed to quiet your mind, body and soul. It takes just a few minutes but the benefit will last for hours. We will use one phrase from Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Sit in a relaxed position with your feet on the floor and your hands resting loosely in your lap. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and just listen. What do you hear? Acknowledge the sounds around you and then let them go. Begin by slowly repeating the whole phrase…

Be still and know that I am God.

Wait a few seconds to listen and let that sink in.

Say slowly…

Be still and know that I AM.

Wait …

Say slowly…

Be still and know that I.

Wait…

Say slowly…

Be still and know.

Wait…

Say slowly…

Be still.

Wait…

Say slowly…

Be.

Wait…

What did you hear? What does the Father want to tell you about himself or reveal about you? My prayer is that you will meet God our Father in a powerful, redemptive way and that you will come away from these few minutes with a greater sense of peace and well being. As I participated in this as I write I sensed God saying he wants me to just  BE and allow him to be GOD. He’s really good at it. What is he saying to you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

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Posted on September 3, 2021 by beverlyeash

It really does matter what we think. But more than that, it matters what we believe. False beliefs allowed to run rampant through our minds destroy our emotional health. Just as eating too much cake and pizza will destroy your physical health, believing the wrong thing causes suffering too.

This week I am exposing four false beliefs that shipwreck your emotional well-being. The first is: I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself. The truth of God’s Word is that you are significant because he made you that way.

The second is: I must be approved by certain people to feel good about myself. The truth of God’s word is that you are loved and accepted just like you are.

The third is: Those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished. The truth of God’s word is that Jesus took all our punishment on him. I read today that “failure is the compost out of which success can grow.”

The final false belief I want to expose is:

I am what I am. I cannot change. I am hopeless.

The first thing that comes to mind when I read this is those who use it as an excuse for their own poor behavior. Then my mind drifts to those who use this as an excuse for the poor behavior of someone else — “That’s just how she is!” Finally, my mind lands where it ought to have started – I remember times I believed this for myself.

I remember times when I was stuck. Stuck in behaviors fueled by the lie that I would never be any different. I will always___________ — you fill in the blank.

God’s word says something different! I am not defective because in Christ, I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17); healed (Isaiah 53:5); a work in process (Philippians 1:6); his work of art (Ephesians 2:10); perfect (Hebrews 10:14); although once dead in sin, now alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5).

No one is destined to stay stuck in behaviors fueled by lies. Destructive behaviors don’t have to be a part of who you are for in Christ, there is freedom. Again, if you find yourself caught in this lie, find a trusted spiritual advisor and share your struggle. Identify the source, bring it before the Lord and experience the change truth imparts as it floods your heart!

This song really spoke to my heart. It highlights the reality that we are more than the choices we make, we are remade! Give it a listen!

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Posted on September 2, 2021 by beverlyeash

There are certain mindsets that will invariably upset our emotional well being and prevent us from living a full life. Understanding these false beliefs is the beginning of a journey to wholeness and an identity firmly fixed on the truth of God’s Word.

The first is I must meet certain standards of performance to feel good about myself.

The second is I must be approved by certain people to feel good about myself.

The third and the focus of today’s post is . . .

Those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished.

Failure, even something one has no control over, is difficult. The fear of failure is even worse. It prevents a person from trying something new, pursuing a dream or taking a risk. I learned at a young age I didn’t want to try anything at which I wouldn’t succeed. The belief that failure makes me unlovable kept me from trying new or risky things.

While you may not avoid new or risky endeavors, perfectionism may be your master. This is just as cruel as not trying. Perhaps, anticipating failure and imminent punishment, you withdraw or punish yourself with self-abusive behaviors. Whatever your response to this false belief, it is destructive and enslaves you.

Failure doesn’t mean we are unlovable, it means we need an ally, someone to come alongside and assist. A careful reading of scripture reveals that we are completely forgiven (Ephesians 1:7); full payment for any failure – past, present, future – has been made (Colossians 1:13-14); there is no condemnation for a child of God (Romans 8:1); eternal life is ours (Romans 6:23); cleansing is accomplished (Hebrews 10:22); we are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

Does this resonate with you? Does failure scare you to death? Identifying the false belief – failure makes you unlovable and deserves to be punished – is the first step. When you are ready to take the next step, get with a trusted spiritual advisor, identify specific lies in your life regarding failure and bring them into the light of God’s Word! It is here they will lose their power and you will know new levels of freedom!

This material is adapted from “The Search for Significance” by Robert McGee.

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Posted on September 1, 2021 by beverlyeash

What are the mindsets that will trip us up? What kind of foundational thinking plagues many of us, preventing us from being the best version of ourselves? The following thoughts are adapted from Draw Close to the Fire by Terry Wardle and original with Robert McGee in his book, The Search for Significance.

The first false belief is that I must meet certain standards of performance to feel good about myself. In the blog post yesterday, I exposed the lie and applied truth to it from God’s word! This is the second…

I must be approved by certain people to feel good about myself.

Everyone has people in their lives whose opinion matters a great deal. I know there are certainly those people in my life. At one time, I really wanted my mother-in-law’s approval. She is with Jesus now, but when she walked the earth, I attempted to find ways to please her. One year for her birthday, I invited her and some of her friends for dinner. I crafted my menu around foods I knew she enjoyed and even decided to wear a dress in deference to her. I was so pleased with my efforts as I entertained her and the other guests.

The next day, in a random conversation, she told my sister-in-law that all evening she just kept wondering if Amelia Bedelia had gotten ahold of my dress because it was so short. (For those unfamiliar with Amelia Bedelia, she cuts off a dress in one story making it unsuitable to wear.) I was crushed.

Returning home, I talked to Jesus about it and shared how disappointed I was to have my well-intentioned efforts mean nothing to her. In my spirit, I heard him clearly tell me to dress to please him, not others.

For too many years of my life, I wore myself out trying to please others and in the process, lost sight of who I truly am. Fearing rejection if I didn’t please someone, I worked tirelessly to figure out what others expected of me and then I did my best to be just that person. The result was a fragmented, unsatisfied person.

The truth I needed to know is that in Christ, I am fully loved and completely accepted. Jesus’ blood brought me near when I was far away. I needed to know I am dearly loved (Ephesians 3:17-19); reunited with God (1 Corinthians 6:17); secure in him and his love (Romans 8:35); sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13); given direct access to God through prayer (Hebrews 10:22); a member of the Lord’s body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31); owned by the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

No one can take that from me and no one’s approval gives me security like God’s love. If you, too, find you are a people pleaser, rehearse these messages of truth. Find someone you trust and share your struggle, take time to explore the why behind the false belief. Put the opinions of others back where they belong, closer to the bottom shelf. Elevate what God thinks and what he says to the top shelf!

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