When I type “Jesus Walks” into my search box in my bible gateway app- there are over 50 references to this phrase. It’s not too shocking since Jesus time on earth came before any type of motorized transportation. If he wanted to spread his message it was going to happen as a result of moving his feet and opening his mouth. When you read through the gospels you not only see references to Jesus walking but you also see him talking and teaching his disciples he had called to train to eventually share the gospel after his death and resurrection. He made the most of those miles long journeys. He taught some challenging lessons- some that are taught best shoulder to shoulder. I think the ‘walk and teach’ method also created a safe space for question asking when the disciples didn’t quite understand the meaning behind Jesus words.

Part of our family has enjoyed a short trip to Texas for our spring break this week. It’s a fabulous time to be in the south. Spring has sprung. Flowers are blooming and everything is green. The weather is warm but not overwhelmingly hot – which makes it a perfect time…

to walk.

Our only child ( young adult actually ) with us this week is Jonah – our 20 year old sophomore in college. As much as we would have loved all of our family to be together we recognize that group getaways are going to be few and far between. We are staying with my parents who keep asking ,

“What do you want to do?” to which we say…

Walk.

Play games.

Walk. side by side. Talk. Slow down. catch up. Listen and learn from each other.

Ask questions. Point out flowers and wildlife.

Walk.

My soul is refreshed by both the weather and the slowed pace and the walking. I have enjoyed some one on one time with our son – who hasn’t spent much time at home since he started college two years ago. I’ve discovered new dreams for his life, updates on friends, thoughts about classes and hobbies and his insights have both encouraged and inspired me.

As we continue our Journey through Lent – I encourage you to find some time to slow, to walk. To leave your phone at home. To find a friend or a spouse or child to join you. Ask some questions. Notice your surroundings. Welcome Jesus into your space and let him lead you on. Pray for a willing, open heart to a message he may want to share… and has been waiting for you to slow long enough so you can listen and hear. Just like he taught his disciples on their walks centuries ago… he most certainly is ready to teach you too.

The path is waiting…

Loving you where you are and pointing your forward to where He is,

justbeth:)

2 Timothy 1:8-9

God saved ME and chose ME to be his holy PERSON, but not because of anything I did MYSELF. God saves ME and made ME his person because that was what he wanted and because of HIS grace. That grace was given ME through Jesus Christ before time began. And now it has been shown to ME in the coming of our Savior Jesus. He destroyed death and showed me the way to have life. Yes through the Good News Jesus showed ME the way to have life that cannot be destroyed. 

I have the privilege of participating on the leadership team of our local Bible Study Fellowship location. (For more info on this study that has locations worldwide and thousands and thousands of participants go to http://www.mybsf.org).  The leaders meet weekly to go over the study lesson before we meet with the class participants later in the week. Challenging questions are discussed, practical leadership tips are taught. It’s an hour packed with prayer, learning and encouragement- I love it. Our leader is a kind, wise and brilliant teacher. She also has a way of speaking truth we need in a way that doesn’t shame us but does communicate truth we need to hear. Last week we needed a good dose of truth. 

We were discussing a question that asked us to share an area in our lives we felt God was asking us to change. The topic was sexual sin. We’re in Corinthians where Paul gets straight to the point. The question made us all squirm. 

Instead of sharing our own challenges in this area – we quickly talked about “others”, “the crazy world we live in,” etc. At the end of our sharing our leader gently took our eyes back to the question- which did NOT ask us to talk about the areas OTHERS needed change but OURSELVES. US…. the one we see in the mirror.

The one that is with us always.

The one we can never get away from.

That person in my life is ME. 

Her reminder was so important for all the leaders. I can speak for my own group that met later that week and can say the focus off of others and onto ourselves was freeing. When one leader was vulnerable in sharing HER struggles and victories in this area of life the floodgates opened for others to share too. When each person felt safe to share it created a space for the Holy Spirit to rush in and comfort and encourage. You see when we fail to stop to recognize our own sin we miss the grace that Jesus has ready to pour into our lives. When we focus only on the sins of others we become numbed to the fact we desperately need Jesus as much as the ones we are focused on and are often times judging. 

Today I wrote the above verse of the day inserting “ME “- where the scripture says “US” or “YOU”. I was so comforted as I thought about Jesus coming for ME, just beth. I was humbled with the reminder that my sin is so evil that the death  of Jesus is my only cure. I’m so grateful and amazed that NOTHING I did prompted God  to send his Son. The 100% motivation for this incredible act was our Fathers love for us. For me. For you.

Today I’m taking my eyes off of others. When I over focus on the offenses of the people around me I become self righteous and proud. When I over focus on the positive accolades of others around me I can feel shame and that I’m not enough. Today I’m looking at me. I’m planting myself at the foot of the cross. I’m trusting that I can safely share all of me and receive all that I need- straight from Jesus. What a free life indeed.

Loving you where you are and pointing you forward to where HE is,

Justbeth:)

Mark 1:16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come,follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. 

When we made the unexpected move from Michigan to Missouri we had some decisions to make . (Duh) The job loss was revealed in May, new job offer June, move July. It makes me tired just writing those words. In that short window of time we had to prep a home for selling and pack 17 years worth of living . 17 years of having babies, raising children, building a business…. NOT staying on top of organization and cleaning. My goal was to keep 3 important people alive:)

When we were faced with the reality of a move we made some important decisions-one being- choosing people over stuff. 

The beauty of increased challenges in life is that it narrows my focus. I stop worrying about what people think. I detach from things that will ultimately never bring me true peace. I surrender responsibilities that can easily be done by someone else but I have held on to because of a feeling of obligation or my need to feel wanted and in control. I leave behind the old. To move boldly into the new. The new home. The new circumstance requiring my attention. The new behavior. 

One of my favorite memories of the time was the decision to host an open house – complete with a  back yard fire at the end of the day. We invited anyone that wanted to stop by for a little or long time. I made home made chicken salad, I wore old shorts and a dirty t shirt- hair covered in a ball cap and connected with people- all day long. A day that some may have suggested we use for packing. 

As I sit in our new home now almost 4 years later- I thank God he freed me from so much and pointed me to the best way to use my time. I can’t even remember The things that didn’t get packed because we ran out of time. We left what felt like a house full of stuff at the curb for people to scavenge or the garbage man to haul away. It was freeing.

As I move through this season of Lent – our family is faced with some new, challenging responsibilities. In order to navigate this season I am going to have to leave some things behind. Responsibilities on my calendar and belief systems in my brain.  Just like those early disciples following Jesus call to follow, I will need to “at once, leave and follow him.”

As daunting as these new tasks feel right now… I am actually experiencing the relief that comes with a clear focus that leaves me unapologetic and confident regarding the decisions of who and what I will leave behind.

It brings me peace to know that Jesus promises that he is the creator of all things new. He is the healer, the guide, the restorer. May you have clarity to know what to leave  and who’s hand to hold as you step into the future. 

The old things are gone- a new life has come!!

PRAYER: Jesus loosen my hold on what is keeping me from moving forward with you. Help me trust that the grip of your hand is all I need. 

Loving you where you are and pointing you forward to where He is. 

justbeth:)

12 days into Lent.

What have you learned?

What have you let go of?

What have your gripped tighter?

How is Jesus more real to you today?

Where do you need him to be more real tomorrow?

May Jesus be your light, your wisdom, your guide. May he be the power behind your every YES and your every NO. May you trust him in your everything.

Loving you where you are and pointing you forward to where He is,

justbeth:)

Pull out your notebook, your best pen… start writing… start listening…God wants to speak to you today.

Psalm 18:1-2

NIV: New International Version:

I love you, Lord my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn or my salvation, my stronghold.

AMP: Amplified Version

I love you (fervently and devotedly) O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower- my stronghold.

TLB: The Living Bible

Lord How I love you! For you have done such tremendous things for me. You are my fort when I can enter and be safe. No one can follow me in and slay me. He is a rugged mountain where I hide. He is my Savior, a rock where non can reach me and a tower of Safety. He is my shield. He is like the strong horn of a mighty fighting bull.

MSG: The Message Version

I Love you God. You make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet , the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God – the high crag where I run for dear life hiding behind the boulders safe in the granite hideout.

TPT: The Passion Translation

Lord – I passionately love you and I’m bonded to you, for now you’ve become my power! You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet, like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress. My Mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape, my tower of rescue where none can reach me. My secret strength and shield around me. You are salvations ray of brightness shining on the hillside always the champion of my cause.

GO ahead… carve out some time. Write the words. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open you heart to what God wants to communicate with you.

And if you have an extra minute… I’d love to hear what he had to say.

Loving you where you are and pointing you forward to where He is,

justbeth:)

Mark 2:3-4 . Four men tried to bring a crippled friend to Jesus but since the crowd prevented them from carrying him close enough to get Jesus attention, they climbed up onto the roof, opened a hole in it and lowered the paralyzed man on his mat down to Jesus.

It’s such a  Sunday School crowd pleaser – this story in the gospel of Mark that shows 4 faithful friends climbing on a roof, cutting a hole in it and lowering their paralyzed friend down to the floor at Jesus feet.  They had heard this miracle man was healing all kinds of physical and spiritual sickness. This was their moment to help their friend and nothing was going to stop them-

Not a crowd.

Not a roof.

Not a fear of heights.

Not the opinions of others. 

Up they went and down they lowered.  Cue the dramatic music.

When Jesus watches the scene unfold the gospel writer tells us “He saw their faith.” As he moves to respond to this faith filled stunt his actions weren’t  really what they were expecting, or hoping for. They wanted to see their friend rise from his cot and run and jump like all the other paralytics Jesus had healed. But instead Jesus- proclaims a bigger healing over the biggest issue in this mans life (and actually in ours) as he says “your sins are forgiven.”   He has just removed the very thing that stands in the way of the paralytics relationship with a holy God. Wether he experiences physical healing this side of heaven- he has just received the ultimate victory.

As we read on we find that Jesus does indeed physically heal the man- to prove to his critics that he has the power and authority to forgive sins. This man got a double healing- much more then he or his friends realized they wanted or needed.

I wonder if Jesus would have healed the man physically first if the paralytic would have stuck around long enough to receive the healing of his greater sickness of sin and need for forgiveness? 

Jesus used this mans suffering to motivate him and his friends to seek him out. So many times in my life it seems to take personal suffering or tragedy to move me to the feet of Jesus with the determination of this little posse of friends.  Minor aches and pains have me living in complain mode  and causes me to forget that my biggest issue has been taken care of – on the cross of Calvary. 

What an amazing God we have that often does give us that double blessing of both physical and spiritual healing. We don’t deserve it and sometimes we actually don’t need it – the physical part that is. 

I am grateful that if God choses just the spiritual healing for a season or for some a lifetime that he promises to never ever leave us in our earthly pain. He will continue to give us every bit of the strength, hope, peace and power we will need. If you are in the midst of physical, relational, emotional pain- I pray you experience him on a level you might never have if you weren’t in this spot of needing him so much. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that we have ultimate healing of forgiveness of sins and victory over death because of your sacrifice. Please give us hope in the midst of our trials. Make your presence undeniable as we walk our journey to our eternal life with you. 

Loving you where you are and pointing you forward to where He is,

justbeth:)

John 2:1-2 Three days later, they all went to celebrate a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus was invited together with Him and his disciples.

“Wedding and Reception – Saturday May 9, Charleston, SC. Garden attire: wear sundresses, floral prints, suits in lighter hues, and FUN HATS and fascinators.” … FUN HATS and fascinators. happy sigh.

I’m over the moon excited to attend my nieces wedding in just 2 short months. The location is fabulous and the invitation which includes the words ” wear FUN HATS….” is just the best. The fact that I already own a hat, from Charleston, makes me even more excited. I’ll be traveling with one of my amazing sister in laws, staying in an air bnb on a darling little island off the coast of Charleston where I have vacationed many times with my family, and celebrating the love of 2 amazing people. A rare weekend getaway. A Celebration… to be sure.

and to this Jesus says, ” YES!”

One of the first stories of Jesus ministry life is the account of him attending a wedding celebration with his family and friends. The focus of this story is often, usually, the miracle, his first, that he performs. Today I want to look from a different angle… the one that takes in the simple fact that…

He was there.

He.

Was.

There. at the wedding. with his family. with his friends.

A wedding so big that they ran out of wine. “Jesus and his disciples were all invited to the banquet but with so many guests they ran out of wine.” a big ol’ party. A party so good they didn’t want it to end. A celebration. A pause in life and ministry to gather for fun. We would all do well to follow suit.

Now I can’t jet off to islands for parties on a regular basis. My work, family and budget wont allow for that. But I can look at adding celebratory moments into my life. I can look people in the eye and wish them a great day! I can surprise my husband by buying his favorite coffee creamer or making his favorite stuffed pizza. I can decide to not take myself so seriously in things that seem to matter so much today but 100 years from now– who will care? While making dinner I can turn off the news and turn on some good dance music. I can take moments to linger with friends over coffee or a glass of wine. I believe little moments of celebration bring Jesus joy and shows the world around us that in the midst of crazy sickness, crazy politics, crazy weather…. celebration can have and should have its place.

How will you bring celebration into your life? into your day? How will you pay attention to places you can insert joy and possibly change the trajectory of someones day? I’d love to hear your stories – let your celebration begin!

Loving you where you are and pointing you forward to where He is,

justbeth:)

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my steps; it lights the path before me. I have taken an oath and confirmed it: I pledge to do what YOU say is right and just.

My son has epilepsy. We are so thankful that his seizures have been kept at bay by way of the perfect dose of Kepra for his body.  To make sure this dosage remains accurate he annually visits a neurologist for a series of tests. As I sit in the exam room and observe the simple actions the Doctor asks Jonah to perform I marvel at all the data he can gather regarding Jonah’s neurological health. 

• 

One test the Doctor administers is to hold up a small pen light and have Jonah focus on the light beam. Then he asks Jonah to use his eyes to follow the light as he moves it from right to left. Jonah’s gaze is constant. If the Doc asked him to follow with footsteps in the direction of the light I believe he would follow exactly in the line that it is pointing. He would trust him completely not wavering from to the right or to the left. Jonah wants to pass the test. He doesn’t get distracted by sounds in the hallway or his moms occasional questions. Because we trust the brilliance of the neurologist we trust that the test he is administering will give the results he wants. We trust that what he sees in Jonah will lead to the best future treatment plan to continue to quiet his epileptic seizures. 

Oh how Jesus is using this picture to remind me of the power of focus on HIM.  Like our brilliant neurologist- I can trust the ultimate wisdom of my Savior. I can live knowing that if my gaze is unwavering in the direction of my guide, power and comfort giver I can walk the path he’s leading me with confidence and without fear. If I listen to his voice alone- pushing back the distractions around me I can live in clarity and peace.

oh but isn’t it so darn hard?

I recognize that…

1. the battle for my time and attention is real….

and

2. Jesus promises he will ‘be a light for my feet and a lamp for all my paths’….

so I can pause in my distraction and call out to the one who listens and answers.

Today I found him answer through the wisdom of a brilliant scientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf, who studies the brain and all the power it holds. She is also a Christian. She posted 3 questions that we can ask ourselves each day. Even though I know Jesus wants to give us all we need… sometimes I’m just not even sure what to ask or where to start. Here are her recommendations:

1. What energizes you?
2. What are you grateful for?
3. What is not working and why?

I found these questions to help me pause in the midst of my chaos. I want Jesus to give me direction in my day and these 3 simple asks helped refocus my heart and mind on – what is most important and how I can contribute ( what energizes me) , what he’s already gifted me with ( what am I grateful for) and what specifically is taking my gaze off of what he would have me to do. (what isn’t working and why). As you walk through your day seeking the eyes of Jesus – maybe these questions will help you too.

Look up friend – Jesus is waiting – light shining – ready for you to follow. It’s time to go.

Loving you where you are and pointing forward to where He is,

justbeth:)

Matthew 8:23-25 Then Jesus got in the boat, his disciples with him. The next thing they knew, they were in a severe storm. Waves were crashing into the boat- and Jesus was sound asleep! They roused him, pleading, ” Master, save us! We’re going down!”

Richard Foster, author and wisdom giver of all things involving spiritual growth, has one of my favorite quotes regarding spiritual disciplines. When giving advice to moms with young children as they seek to grown their relationship with Jesus he says in his book Celebration of Discipline: “The best thing you can do to grow your spiritual life at this stage of life… is to take a nap.” Or something like that. I read those words as a new mom and proclaimed a 2 hands raised ‘AMEN’ – loudly in my living room. I was exhausted and spending significant time in bible study felt overwhelming because I was just. so. tired.

I absolutely love that in todays passage we see Jesus modeling the need to rest. He curls up in a boat with his team and goes to sleep. Jesus life had been full of teaching, casting out demons, healing the sick and raising the dead. His short slumber was well deserved. I wonder if the disciples had followed suit and settled in with him if they would have slept peacefully through the storm? If a nap was Jesus game plan – maybe it should have been theirs as well. How much drama would have been avoided if they just got some shut eye. Certainly Jesus had proved to them that his plans were always best.

But they didn’t. And they faced the storm alone… And they were overcome with fear, stress – full on anxiety attacks. Instead of resting with their Lord the wrestled with the wind and waves which lead them straight back to where they should have started – with Jesus.

This Lent- I want my pace to be that of the master pace setter. When I spend time with Jesus He will be the one to speed me up and he will be the one to slow me down… maybe even slow enough …

to take a nap.

Loving you where you are and pointing your forward to where He is,

justbeth:)

Matthew 5:14-16. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. “ JESUS

The day was starting dark. It wasn’t just the fact that I always rise before the sun and I’ve usually had my first cup of coffee long before the sun peaks it’s head over the horizon. 

The darkness came through a text- met me right where I am now- sitting on my couch, journal in hand, coffee cup on one side, little dog on the other. 

“Hi Beth, please be in prayer for us and our neighbors. A couple days ago a young man (17) committed suicide across the street from us. My husband and I were putting the kids in the car when the mother, father and best friend of the boy found him in the garage. It was horrific. I told My older daughter  to stay with the boys and ran over with My husband. He called the police and I held the friend who collapsed in the snow. The screams and wails will probably be something I remember for the rest of my life.”

This was just last week. 

My heart was heavy for my friend, her young children that witnessed this event and the family that will try to make sense of a senseless act… most likely for the rest of their lives. 

I wish this was the first time I’ve heard this story … but it’s not. Countless times in my life have I been face to face with the darkness of depression and the grip it can take on a persons life. It knows no boundaries, male , female, young and old. Oh how desperately people need a rescue from the lies that lead them to believe life would be better without them. 

Friends- this, this right here is why Jesus says YES- to shining bright. It’s not about flash or Charisma ( although for some it might) .  It’s about carrying the light placed in you when you professed faith in Jesus. The light powered alone by the Holy Spirit.  It means taking it to places like the grocery store, the sports fields, the family gatherings, the board rooms and sometimes …..

the garage of a neighbor at a most inconvenient time.   

This light – we are desperate for it.  The people right around you….right. Around. Me. 

As you head into your world today….

Shine BRIGHT.  

Love without limits. Listen to really hear.  Look with eyes that desire to see deep into souls.  Encourage without judgement. Treat everyone you meet as if they have just received a really tough phone call.  Those needing your light… they’re closer then you know. 

Loving you where you are and pointing you forward to where He is.

just Beth:)