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Posted on April 6, 2020 by beverlyeash

Taking my faith for a walk. What else does that entail besides renewing my faith in God? How about some exercise? Some spiritual exercise? Check out Philippians 4 for some ideas.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Philippians 4:4-8

Following the steps in these verses, I will rejoice in the Lord. That’s praise, friends! Praise naturally diminishes anxiety and depression. So, I begin with rejoicing by noticing where God is already at work. Where is he already showing up? What is God already providing for me right now? I notice it and thank him for it!

Secondly, God is near. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me see where God is near and how he is making his presence known.

Finally, I think on these things. I rehearse in my mind where God is already at work and how he is near rather than focusing on perceived lack, fear of the future or loss of dreams. I allow praise to permeate my day and my thoughts.

One truth that continues to come up for me is this: I can do with less. And I am happy!

Where is God already at work for you? How can you praise him for being near today? What do you focus on: lack or surplus? Fear or faith? Loss or new beginnings?

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Posted on April 5, 2020 by beverlyeash

Your attention please: Easter and Holy Week is still happening!

Today is commonly known as Palm Sunday, the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by worshippers waving palm branches and proclaiming him King of Israel! All four gospels record the event, each with a slightly different emphasis. Luke and John both record the response of the Pharisees to Jesus’ affect on the crowds.

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

Luke 19:39-40

Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”

John 12:19

That’s right! There is nothing anyone can do to keep Easter from coming! Jesus is alive and triumphant! If we don’t cry out, the rocks will. So, let’s shout out!

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Posted on April 4, 2020 by beverlyeash

Taking our faith for a walk means we renew our hope in God and his power, sovereignty, plans and purpose. He is greater than any situation, including this one. We rehearse and remember what he has done in the past and affirm that he will do it again. And then we tell that to others. God’s faithful love showed up again today and this is how…! And we proclaim his provision. In this way we strengthen our faith and the faith of others.

Another way in which we take our faith for a walk is by…taking a walk. Get outside. Notice creation, nature, the newness of spring, the continual renewal of the earth from winter to spring, the changing of season. Notice the flowers, birds, buds and bugs. Watch the sun rise and go back to its place of setting. Bask in the presence of God, knowing that he holds it all together in his hands from the appearance of fresh new spring onions and blades of grass to the birds building nests and laying eggs. All creation continues to live with EXPECTATION! Expectation of plenty, abundance and a future.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for 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. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

Colossians 1:15-17

I don’t know what is happening in your neck of the woods, but the return of spring is evident everywhere. Praise him for his generous gifts to us in creation. Enjoy the blooming and blossoming of new life all around. And then ask him to do it within you too! As a part of creation, I know he holds me in his hands. I can’t wait to see what blooms in me!

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Posted on April 3, 2020 by beverlyeash

Yesterday I was made keenly aware of how easily I forget to give thanks. While helping our son and his wife prepare to move, I sent a picture of my adorable granddaughter to a family thread that includes my sisters, brother and mom. My only job was to keep the baby happy and occupied. Best job ever!!

Soon after sending the message, I received a text back from one of my sisters. She referenced a previous conversation in which I asked prayer for my son and his wife in the sale of their home. I realized I hadn’t bothered to let her know that the situation turned out favorably and all was well. In other words, I didn’t give thanks to the Lord for intervening on their behalf.

It’s so easy to be overwhelmed when life gets difficult and just as easy to forget to say thank you when situations are righted or work out in a positive way. It caused me to pause. Check this out in Psalm 107!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.

Psalm 107:1-2

Gratitude is the natural antidote for depression so speak up! What have you prayed about? How is God already answering that prayer? Have you shared it with anyone? Give thanks for his faithful love endures forever!

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Posted on April 2, 2020 by beverlyeash

Last Friday evening I participated in my first ever Zoom gathering. (I wish I had developed Zoom!) It was hosted by Healing Care Ministries International with Terry Wardle bringing an uplifting message for these unprecedented times. I loved what he said, not because it was new, but because it affirmed what I have already been doing. Sometimes we just need to know we are on the right track.

It is imperative that we take our faith for a walk. What does that mean? It means we exercise, put into practice, the faith we claim to have in the God of the universe. It’s time to take our faith for a walk. So how does that work practically?

First, we renew our hope in God. Psalm 42 and 43 are psalms of the sons of Korah. They both express deep distress and discouragement and yet ask the question, “Why am I discouraged?” The antidote: put our hope in God again. I love verse four of Psalm 42:

My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!

Psalm 42:4

The psalmist remembered times that were more “normal,” a time when he could freely go to the house of the Lord and worship. But at the time of writing, he was in isolation or quarantine in a foreign land. His memory of better times reminded him to put his hope in God again.

It’s important to remember and to renew our hope in God. Recall the way God has moved, protected, secured, provided in the past. Bring that to the forefront and then meditate on his provision. He is the same today as he has always been.

Taking my faith for a walk means I recall the goodness of God in times past. I believe that “normal” will return and, for this short and painful present, I can persevere!

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Posted on April 1, 2020 by beverlyeash

The following isn’t a joke. It is true and can be applied whenever you need a little boost!

In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

2 Corinthians 1:9-11

My takeaways from this passage:

  1. Stop relying on myself. Trust God with my life.
  2. Pray for others, especially those who are sick or in the health care arena.
  3. Watch God do great things and then give thanks for answered prayers.

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Posted on March 31, 2020 by beverlyeash

It is four years ago that Dave and I began our best worst year. It was March 24, 2016 – that our lives turned upside down. March 25 brought a new normal. Dave was home and I wasn’t sure I liked it. Honestly, this was the most frightening thing I could have imagined. I didn’t know how to help Dave look for a job. Turns out, I didn’t need to know.

And then there was my life. After all, I had a schedule, a way I did things. And now I had this other person in my space…All.The.Time. Just days prior to this I overheard a woman at a coffee shop. Her husband was in the process of slowing down, retiring. He had his own business so the process was more protracted than some retirements. She commented that she no longer felt free to leave during the day, but rather compelled to let him know where she would be or be home to make his lunch. (Cue eye rolll!) I didn’t think that was going to work for me. And Dave wasn’t retiring. We had no idea how long this would last or what the next job looked like.

Here we are four years later and March 24, 2020 brought a new normal. Dave is home again for a couple of weeks while we protect ourselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. But this time I am not concerned how it will be. You see, I know how it will be because we have been there together.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When faced with the most difficult situation of our lives, we turned to the God of comfort. We pressed in and made huge withdrawals from the well of peace and joy that Father provided. It wasn’t always easy. There were lots of tears for both of us. Every day wasn’t sunshine and roses. But they were days filled with overwhelming peace and comfort because we trusted that God had it. He knew where we would be next. He knew what we needed day by day. He taught us how to spend the days together without wanting to scratch anyone’s eyes out.

As I reflect on those days now, I smile. I smile because in the midst of the pain and difficulty, we had so much fun! And those are the elements I cherish now. Not only did my relationship with Dave deepen, but we spent valuable time with family and friends in ways we couldn’t before. Dave’s next job allowed him to work from home and, while not his forever job, it provided space for him to rest and recuperate.

Two-thousand sixteen was special in other ways as well. We visited Sedona, Arizona for the first time. We added our first granddaughter in December. AND THE CHICAGO CUBS WON THE WORLD SERIES!

Dave’s relaxed schedule that year and the opportunity to share season tickets to the Cubs meant we spent quite a few days in Chicago. It was like the kiss of God to Dave. I realize some of you have made other life choices regarding baseball and you follow a different team. God can take care of that too. But we had so much fun that season attending games with friends and family. From the frigid games in April when we wore winter coats, hats and wrapped in blankets to the searing heat of summer, we participated in the Cubs journey to the World Series.

The most epic game we attended that year was the 6th game of the NLCS. Played in Chicago against the Dodgers, Dave and I secured seats in the bleachers at the last minute. The atmosphere, pregnant with anticipation, still makes me smile today. Would this be the year the curse of the goat is broken?

Finding our seats in the bleachers, we immediately made friends with the folks around us. Most of these people were visitors to Chicago who didn’t want to miss the game of a lifetime. Pitching was outstanding, hitting spot on and the Dodgers never crossed home plate. The final moments of the game that sent the Cubs to the World Series will always stay with me. It wasn’t just the excitement and noise of the crowds, it was being with Dave to experience the fulfillment of his dream.

This year Direct TV added a new station to their lineup – Marquis. For a Cubs fan, this is the best news of the year! It will proudly play all Chicago Cubs baseball games this season – when the season starts. But for now, we are reliving the 2016 Run for the Ring. On March 24, 2020 we watched the replay of the 6th game of the 2016 NLCS. It was as exciting and electric as the first time. I smiled the whole time it aired, remembering the thrill of not only being at the game, but remembering our experience of God’s goodness in so many tangible ways that year.

Why do I tell you all of this? Because I want you to know that it is going to be all right. There are tears and fears, unknowns and uncertainty, changes and chaos. But in the midst of the storm, you are safe. And not only are you safe, but there is so much good to be enjoyed.

I don’t know why isolation has turned me into Pioneer Woman, but I am grinding wheat and baking my own bread. I bought an oxtail last week and made soup. (Oxtail is the absolute best kept secret of beef broth!) Long evenings with Dave, dinner with the grands (I’m helping with childcare for a few weeks…or months?), the quiet of dinner at home, puzzling, quilting, sewing (I’m starting masks for medical personnel today), reading and writing. So much good to enjoy!

Whatever you are feeling right now, it is normal. These are scary, chaotic moments. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to laugh. It’s okay to find joy even in the fear. Together we will do this. Together we will march forward victorious. Will everything stay the same? I hope not. There are always ways that I can depend more deeply on my Father in heaven. There are always ways that I can learn to receive his comfort in deeper ways. He is for me, not against me. His plans are for my good, not my destruction.

What do you want to be able to say when this is past? How do you want to remember the weeks of isolation? How can you help your children learn to be joyful when life is disrupted?

Most of all, how are you experiencing God’s comfort? Allow yourself to soak it in so that at another time – because, yes, there will be another time, you can use it to comfort others.

Until next time…

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

Oh yes, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE!

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Posted on March 30, 2020 by beverlyeash

The post today is the guest perspective of my Havanese-Maltese (Havamalt) dog, Oliver. He is begging to share how social distancing impacts his life. I finally acquiesced. So, here’s Oliver! He says:

The last few weeks have been so weird for me. Mr and Mrs were gone for a long time and I lived with the girl, Katlyn and her man, Zac. I didn’t like it. So when Mr and Mrs came home, I was elated. There is nothing like home.

But it’s been different. Mrs is around all the time. When she does leave, it isn’t for long and many times she takes me with her. I love it! We do have those little ones here more often and that can be hard for me. The littlest one, they call her Harper, moves all over the house and sometimes she gets close to me. She is kind of noisy and she grabs my fur with her little fists and pulls. I don’t like it. Twice I had to yelp at her to tell her. She didn’t even care but Mrs really jumped and yelled. I didn’t get it. I wasn’t even talking to her. Sometimes when the little one is sleeping I like to curl up next to her and take a nap. She’s warm.

This week Mr started staying home all day. He walks around the house and talks on that little black box, but it’s great to have him here. If Mrs goes somewhere, he is at home. I never have to be alone. Lot’s of times I curl up at his feet and sleep. These days it seems I can always find someone to lay down next to while I nap. This is a great life.

Mr and Mrs eat at the table a lot more which means I get scraps more often. If I hang around while they eat and remind Mrs I am waiting, she often gives me a little bit of something. People food is delicious.

Every day Mr and Mrs go for a walk and they take me along. I love getting out in the fresh air. It’s exhausting to have the people home all the time, but I am getting used to it. I hope life stays this way. Thanks to Mrs for letting me share!

Perspective. It’s true. We all experience life differently. Those aspects of isolation that are difficult for me, will not be for you. But however you are experiencing it, it’s important to own your feelings. Acknowledge and allow yourself to have them. It’s all okay.

Buried emotions will kill you. Not literally, but figuratively. Pretending I am not sad, lonely, angry, afraid, worried, etc. prevents me from moving beyond the feelings into a better place. It’s as if I ignore gangrene and then wonder why my fingers are rotting and falling off.

Here is a little encouragement for you today. Together we are better and together we can do this hard thing!

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.

1 Peter 1:3-6

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Posted on March 29, 2020 by beverlyeash

Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors.

2 Chronicles 20:32-33

One final thought about Jehoshaphat. He is commended as one of the good kings of Judah. There weren’t very many. He followed God and scripture says he did what pleased the Lord.

Scripture also tells us he wasn’t perfect. He failed to remove all the pagan shrines and, in turn, the people never fully committed themselves to following God.

This is what I learn from his example. I need to do my best. I obey and listen to the best of my ability. But I will miss something along the way. That doesn’t mean God can’t use me or that I am disqualified as a follower of Jesus. It doesn’t even mean that I don’t please the Lord. Truth is – no one follows completely. We just all do the best we can. That’s why Jesus came. Because we can’t get it perfectly.

So I do my best and trust the rest!

Have a blessed Sunday worshipping remotely! See you “in church!”

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Posted on March 28, 2020 by beverlyeash

At the very moment…

What does that mean to you? To me it means immediately, right now, simultaneous, follow immediately…it means at the very same time!

At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.

2 Chronicles 20:22

When the people began to sing, at that very moment, the three armies advancing against them began to fight one another. Before they ever arrived, before one shot was fired, before one arrow flew, before the battle started it was finished. Just as God had said, he fought for them. The battle was not theirs.

Before God moved on their behalf, the people fasted and prayed, bowed down and worshipped, moved ahead as a community and praised God for his holy splendor. They believed in the Lord and stood firm.

Too often I wait until I see God do something and then I believe. After I see what he does, I worship, praise, pray.

But all of these holy disciplines preceded the battle. And when they arrived at the Valley of Blessing – so named for what God did for them – there were no armies. Just bodies lying on the ground. The armies defeated one another. And Israel gathered so much plunder they couldn’t carry it all.

I don’t know what enemies are attacking you right now. We all experience the same quarantine, but our fears and uncertainties are our own.

I do know that God is ready and waiting to go before you and confuse/eliminate your enemies. He is released to do that through our unity, prayer, worship and praise.

So let’s join {virtual} hands and lift our voices to Father in heaven praising him for his holy splendor!

Give thanks to the Lord; for his faithful love endures forever!

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