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Posted on May 6, 2020 by beverlyeash

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”

Mark 9:36-37

Much has been written about the reality of our inner child – that person who I truly am at the core of my being. It is often the person I reject because I learned at some early, formative time in my life the person I truly am isn’t acceptable. So I pretend she isn’t there or shush her when she appears, making her to hide behind the curtain of all that I think I should be. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable with this little girl inside of me.

The scripture for today is interesting to me. I know he was referencing humans of a young age – children – because the culture he lived in did not “see” children. He elevated them to a status of value.

I also know at another level he was referencing the way I come to him. I am invited to come with the humble, dependent, trusting nature of a child. My own grown-upness gets in the way so often. I am so sensible and appropriate at times.

As I read this today, I heard something else he says to me. If I am not willing to receive my inner child, who I truly am, I will have a difficult time receiving Jesus and, therefore, the Father. My knowledge of his love and acceptance for me will be hindered until I make peace with myself.

In the last six weeks, I have made great strides in making peace with myself. As I read the psalms today, I happened upon Psalm 131. This provided me with a picture of how I am sitting these days.

Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Israel, put your hope in the Lord—now and always.

Psalm 131

More than any other time, I feel at peace with my inner child. She sits with me quietly and I haven’t had to shush her because there is no one but my family around and she feels safe with them. She has been allowed to BE SEEN in a way I realize she hasn’t been before. And I want to keep her in that place of safety and protection within me.

Maybe this doesn’t make any sense to you and it sounds like mumbo jumbo. That’s okay. I just know that the last six weeks have given space for me to allow who I truly am to be seen, if only by me. And I like what I see.

What about you? How comfortable are you with your true self? Does your inner child get to be heard or is it shushed and quieted for fear of making a scene? I encourage you to accept it! It is who you really are and it’s wonderful!

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Posted on May 5, 2020 by beverlyeash

Monday morning I retreated to my deck for some quiet time with Jesus. I have often closed my posts with the priestly blessing from Numbers 6. It goes like this:

May the Lord bless you and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

I love this passage so much that I purchased a sign to display in my entry way. Every time I leave my house, I see the blessing and am reminded of the presence and favor of God on my life. Imagine my joy when I learned a song had been written with these lyrics.

I settled into my chair, opened YouTube and turned the volume up on my device, opening my hands to receive blessing. My spirit soared as I listened, basking in the presence of Jesus. As the song came to a crescendo, the wind started blowing causing my chimes to join in a euphony of praise! It was a beautiful moment — nature joining in giving praise to the Father.

As I soaked in the moments, I was reminded that I get to choose how I start my day. As I listened to The Blessing and pictured the presence of God going before me, coming behind me, surrounding me, blessing me — peace and joy welled up within me.

If I allow my mind to focus on loss, mistrust, what I think I don’t have, the chaos around me — fear, anxiety, anger, suspicion well up within me.

I get to choose and so do you! This is a beautiful way to start the day. Give it a try!

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Posted on May 4, 2020 by beverlyeash

Today our state begins the transition from COVID-19 isolation to “normal,” whatever that is. Your state may be different, but the gate is open. I admit, I approach the gate very cautiously, looking carefully in every direction. Is it safe to wander beyond the confines of my yard?

I found a few verses that will be helpful in these next weeks of transition.

Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise.

Ecclesiastes 7:10

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

James 1:19-20

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 10:19

Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

As you head out the gate today for new adventures, remember these admonitions and give grace to those you encounter!

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Posted on May 3, 2020 by beverlyeash

As I worked outside in my landscaping, a song ran through my mind on repeat. A portion of the lyrics are this: “…Sing a little louder (in the presence of my enemies); sing a little louder (louder than my unbelief); sing a little louder (my weapon is a melody); sing a little louder (heaven comes to fight for me)…”

It is our praises, our melody that is our weapon. Today I want to raise my weapon high and shout praises; gratitude for what this season has allowed me to do. It’s not really anything I don’t do other years, but this year it was accomplished with such ease and in record time.

It’s only May 3 and my landscaping is all cleaned out, the plants are greening up, hostas are pushing through the soil. We cleared the trails through our woods of trees that had fallen over, making them unusable. And then we cut up some of the wood, split it and stacked it to dry for use later. Our lawn is raked, wild landscaping is trimmed. The decks are power washed, the furniture is clean and positioned. These are projects we do every year, but it’s usually the middle of June until we have them done. And did I say it’s only May 3.

I’m so excited to see what will be next. Today, as an act of worship, why not take a few minutes and review the last forty days. What have you accomplished? Did you paint that room that’s needed it for years? Clean the pantry, closets, barn, shop, garage? Finish a project? Take a few minutes to offer praise for the work you have done, even if it’s something you do every year.

Perhaps we will soon be able to meet together for Sunday worship. I hope so! But until then, I invite you to join me at Maple City Chapel at 9:00 or 10:45!

Oh, if you want, here’s a link to the song I referenced! “Raise a Hallelujah!”

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Posted on May 2, 2020 by beverlyeash

Someday we will look back at the time spent in social distancing and isolation and it will be a distant memory. Perhaps we learned things about ourselves and others. We might have learned a new skill, took up a new hobby, read a new book, watched a great movie. Maybe we learned to spend time with our spouse, kids or significant other in more meaningful ways. We might even have learned to slow down and enjoy the moments.

As a nation, we are nearing the 40 day mark of mandated social distancing. It is tedious. It seems we teeter between fear of another outbreak if we lift the restrictions and fear of financial ruin if we don’t. Going back to “normal” seems next and yet it brings a certain amount of anxiety with it. And what is “normal” even going to look like?

Here are some of the affirmations I find helpful to repeat to myself when I think I’m going to internally combust waiting for “normal,” whatever that is.

Keep your thoughts in THIS day. Not tomorrow, not yesterday. Just today. Matthew 6:31-34.

Just do the next right thing. Galatians 6:9-10

This too shall pass. Fix your eyes on the long game. Colossians 3:1-2

I wish you the most blessed Saturday and hope that all is joyful in your world today!

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Posted on May 1, 2020 by beverlyeash

Romance. Chick flicks. Whatever you call them, they usually include a character who pursues someone in spite of great opposition. This person refuses to take no for an answer and is jealous for the affection of his/her true love.

Jealousy has a bad rap. Mostly it motivates people to do stupid things that are harmful to relationships rather than helpful. Years ago I knew a young couple who demonstrated the positive side of jealousy. He worked for a large corporation and one of his responsibilities was the legal issues of the company. One Saturday morning, he had a meeting with the company lawyer who happened to be a woman. He told his wife where he would be and jumped in his truck to go to the office.

The young wife felt uncomfortable with this Saturday morning meeting and did an act of bravery, courage and honorable jealousy. She went to the bakery, bought pastries and took them to the office. She walked in, announcing that she brought baked goods for the meeting and made coffee to accompany it. She wasn’t going to allow anyone to encroach on her relationship without defending it! I’ve always been so impressed by her quick thinking and decisive action.

There is something in me that wants to be loved jealously. To be pursued with the kind of ardor that is the foundation of every great romantic flick. Perhaps I feel this way because God is the biggest romantic of all! Check this out:

“Be very careful never to make a treaty with the people who live in the land where you are going. If you do, you will follow their evil ways and be trapped. Instead, you must break down their pagan altars, smash their sacred pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles. You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.

Exodus 34:12-14

My God is jealous for my attention, affection, devotion and worship. He doesn’t want to share with anyone or anything! Just as I wanted my husband to get rid of any memorabilia from past relationships and I certainly don’t want to share his devotion with anyone or anything else now, God wants my full attention. And it is because he loves me. He is jealous for me!

Is there anything in your life that you are more devoted to than God? What has the last 40 days revealed to you about your treaties? How can you best go forward from here with a heart that is singularly devoted to Him?

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Posted on April 30, 2020 by beverlyeash

What distinguishes you from those around you? Is there anything at all that you won’t leave home without? Something that gives you confidence and courage?

Moses was asked to perform an amazing feat: lead a nation out of slavery in Egypt to a land of their own. Considering the number of people and the magnitude of organizing them, the task was formidable. Moses gave up all of the luxuries of Egypt in obedience to God’s call on his life. He left with a group of slaves, learning right away that they were prone to complaining. Moses knew what it was that made it possible to continue in obedience. This is what he said:

One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.  How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”

Exodus 33:12-16

“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty.

Exodus 34:6-7

When compared to the gods of other nations, Yahweh was completely other. He allowed his people to know exactly how he felt about them and what his expectations were. He led them faithfully with his presence and never abandoned them, even when they were foolish.

I serve a God who is not only filled with compassion, mercy, love and faithfulness but also completely just. In the New Testament, I am told that I am — we are together — the temple of the Holy Spirit of God. He lives in us. (See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Don’t leave home without Him! In his presence, everything is going to be fine for you — and for me!

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Posted on April 29, 2020 by beverlyeash

A few days ago I wrote encouraging my dear readers to be okay with whatever emotion comes during these days of isolation. Some days are peaceful, joyfilled and quiet, some days are…not. Today was not…for me. The last few days have been very difficult.

Dave encouraged me to remember this is short term, keep the long view. My reading in scripture reminded me to keep my eyes fixed on the One who is unseen. Moses did the impossible because he kept his eyes fixed on the One who is invisible. I want to be like Moses. But it’s harder than it sounds.

Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights….When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. 

Exodus 34:28-29

I believe the secret of Moses’ success was the time he spent in the presence of the Lord. I don’t always have 40 days and 40 nights to spend on a mountain. Some days I don’t feel like I have 40 minutes. But today, he still showed up. Or maybe it is more accurate to say, I showed up.

When I couldn’t break through the darkness and fog, I called on my friends to help me find the way to the mountain and into the presence of the Lord. And the Lord is faithful. He parted the darkness and fog, and filled my heart with the light and joy of his Presence!

It’s important to keep our eyes fixed on the invisible One. But sometimes we need a little help. If you find yourself in a bad way today – COVID related or not – be kind to yourself. Reach out to a few friends and let them take you through the roof right into the presence of Jesus!

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Posted on April 28, 2020 by beverlyeash

I admire people who overcome great obstacles to become people of character and resilience. I marvel at the fortitude they show in pushing through even when there is opposition of some sort. Dave and I recently watched “Harriet,” a movie about Harriet Tubman. Her commitment to helping slaves find freedom despite peril to her own life captured my attention and filled me with awe. The writers did an unexpectedly good job of preserving Harriet’s commitment to keeping her eyes on the unseen in order to persevere in the task.

Harriet became known as “Moses” as she led people out of slavery into freedom. The biblical Moses is another great leader who overcame insurmountable odds to accomplish great things. Undoubtedly, Moses’ greatest obstacle was internal chatter that kept him from believing he could do anything at all. I resonate with that endless internal chatter.

Moses certainly accomplished great things, but the outstanding aspect of his life to me is overcoming his weaknessess. He didn’t think he could talk well, he was afraid people wouldn’t follow him, he didn’t want to be rejected, he just didn’t want to go to Egypt and lead the people. He felt hobbled by his past. You can read all about Moses birth and early history in the first four chapters of Exodus.

It is my belief that Moses knew in his heart he was chosen to deliver the Israelites from slavery. When he came upon the Israelite and Egyptian fighting, he attempted to fix it his own way – kill the Egyptian and bury him in the sand. (Exodus 2:11-12) His method was one of force. Maybe he thought he would lead a bloody revolution against Egypt. That wasn’t God’s way. Moses spent time in the desert learning another way.

I want to explore some of what I admire about Moses and the choices he made this week. I believe following the example of those who succeeded in overcoming obstacles is an excellent life choice. Perhaps you admire a different historical person such as Abraham Lincoln (he is my favorite president) or a present day hero such as Sully Sullenberger (also an inspiration to me). Whoever that might be, ask yourself what that person has accomplished and why it inspires you. Then take a hard look at his/her life choices and decide which of those you need to emulate.

The first quality of Moses that I want to emulate can be found in Hebrews 11:27. This chapter of the Bible is often called the faith chapter and it lists the who’s who of faithful men and women of God. They are the All Stars, the Hall of Famers, the Gold Medal winners. Moses is listed here and this is what it says about him:

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. 

Hebrews 11:27

I want to be the kind of person who isn’t sidelined by fearsome, angry events – or scary kings. I want to keep right on going because I have confidence in the Invisible One! My natural eyesight might not be so great, but I want my spiritual eyes to be better than 20/20!

How will I develop 20/20 spiritual vision so my eyes stay fixed on the one who is invisible and I don’t get sidetracked by what I see with my natural eyes? Tune in tomorrow for more on that…

What do you want to see developed in your life? Who inspires you to be better?

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Posted on April 27, 2020 by beverlyeash

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Proverbs 4:25-27

I don’t know about you, but my eyes are starting to wander. Wandering to the left and the right, into corners where discontent and despair lie. The desire to go back to bed and pull the covers over my head for a few days – or weeks – calls to me! And I don’t think I am the only one.

Our lives are disrupted in ways many of us have never experienced. Waiting for business as usual to resume wears on me and I find myself needing to find new strategies to combat craziness. Social media and news reports sidetrack me. It all makes me want to throw a genuine, screaming fit.

I believe this verse just might hold a key for me.

My eyes matter!

This I know: what I think about is where I will fix my eyes. And what I meditate on will be where my feet go. And then I am truly sidetracked. It’s hard to stay the course, to keep my eyes on the right path. But standing over here in the weeds – well, I can tells you this isn’t all that great.

I want to stay the course. I want to finish the journey well. I want to fix my eyes on the straight path where peace and joy abound. I want to end every day filled with gratitude. So, here I come. I’m scratched up, covered with sticks and leaves from my tramp through the woods. But here I am!

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