Making the Cut

Before I began my day, Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit and I had a meaningful time. (Maybe it’ll turn into a blog post sometime.) Later, I had a little “me” time after I mixed up a double batch of Butterhorn rolls. I shopped at Peebles while the dough doubled in bulk, and found some new tops I liked. That was fun. Then I stopped at Food Lion for a few groceries on the way home.

I reflected on my recent decision to cut some things out of my busy life—too busy, per my heavenly Father’s words. And He was right. He has been at work in my heart to come aside from the hustle and bustle of “could and should.” Besides the normal busyness of keeping the gears of my household well-oiled, I’m also publishing a cookbook, writing a blog, interacting on social media, attending Women’s Life every Tuesday and leading a small group with my husband at church early Sunday mornings and have been attending three writer’s group meetings per month. And I don’t even work outside the home, like many women do in this high-pressure, Northern Virginia, traffic-clogged area.

Monday a week ago as I sat in my rocking chair in the living room, with ice on my lower back, I felt the warm fellowship of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I felt a strong desire to rest and simplify my life, and sensed Father saying I’ve been too busy. I basked in His warmth as He gently drew me to prioritize my life’s activities.

I decided to cut out my writer’s meetings and scheduled writing assignments—at least for now. I felt a sense of relief and peace about that decision. I arrived at a point of truth where I realized I no longer wrote because I enjoyed writing, but to fulfill the expectations of others. And it also meant more nights away from home, hurrying with dinner preparations and eating, and then coming home to a messy kitchen I had to clean up before I could go to bed.

I’ve since talked to some stressed-out women who would also like to simplify their lives, but say they fear disappointing or angering others, or would miss their friends too much, or believe if they quit, things would fall apart for their friends. I can relate, because I used to be there, too, but I feel sorry for the tight spot they’re in. Everything doesn’t depend on “ME.” May they find the freedom to make a cut where necessary.

Oh, yeah, a year ago, Father also instructed me to do a certain thing two days a week, and for a couple of months now, I’ve also cut out two days a week on Facebook. Making the cut isn’t always easy or fun.

My mind went to a poem I wrote five years ago in 2011 on October 27, my daughter Deb’s birthday, in fact. I leafed through my hand-written book of poetry until I found it. I thought it fit this blog post nicely, and maybe this poem describes you. 

Diary of a Mad Housewife

Clean the house, scrub the floor,

Wipe those smudges off the door.

Do the laundry, take out trash,

Clean the sink, then make a dash

To the grocery store, and then

Come back home and call a friend.

“My life’s so busy,” you complain;

“My husband really is a pain!

My kids—they drive me up a wall.

I don’t like my life at all!

It’s time for me; where’s my career?

I want fulfillment—can’t you hear?

My life’s a mess. What did you say?

I gotta run—I can’t delay.

I’ll miss that sale at T.J. Maxx

If I don’t hurry up and act!

Run, run, run, that’s all I do.

I wonder where I put my shoes. . .”

Let me counsel this harried housewife to stop, forget her shoe search, and instead, reach for her Bible, turn off her cell phone, turn off the TV, the radio, or whatever else she’s got going on. I’d tell her to quiet her mind, ask her heavenly Father some questions, and let Him talk to her. He has all the answers, you know.

May you experience peace and quiet as Father draws your heart toward Home.

Copyright © 2016 Elaine Beachy

Time Out

As I pulled out a kitchen chair and took my place in a chair on the opposite side, I sensed my Lord’s distinct pleasure as I invited Him to meet with me.  I opened my Bible to Proverbs 4, and my heart responded with warmth as I read His words: “My child, pay attention to what I say. . . for they bring life and healing to your whole body. . . guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life. . . avoid perverse talk. . . look straight ahead. . . mark out a straight path for your feet. . . don’t get sidetracked. . . keep your feet from following evil.”

Then I sensed Him say to me, “The Old Testament tells you what is right and good, but the New Testament empowers you to obey through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I asked Him to empower me to be obedient in a certain area I was praying about, and then I asked Him, “Jesus, is there anything You want to say to me today?”

Immediately I heard Him say in my spirit, “Bless Me, and I will make you a blessing!”

Now, because of the church hymn, “Bless me, Lord, and make me a blessing. . .” that I'd heard growing up, I always thought He does all the blessing. So, I asked, “How can I bless You?”

This thought came to mind instantly: “Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” That was it! I bless Him by being thankful! Thank Him for who He is, what He has done for me and everyone. I bless Him by telling Him what I love about Him!

I began by telling Him how great He is, and thanking Him that He forgives all my sins, heals all my diseases, redeems my life from the pit, crowns me with love and compassion, fills my mouth with good things, and renews my youth like the eagle’s. (From Psalm 103) I thanked Him for His great love and sacrifice for me, for His pain and suffering, and for His victory over the thief, the devil. I thanked Him for my inheritance through His name, for His Word; I thanked Him for my earthly blessings of family, friends, church, nation, for law and order. . . There were so many things to thank Him for!

I came to see that only saying, “I bless You, Lord,” is not actually “blessing” Him. I bless Him by my obedience and thanksgiving, too. He feels loved when we obey and thank Him. He knows what makes you feel loved, too.

A good friend of mine recently introduced me to the book, 2 Chairs by Bob Beaudine, and I recommend it to all. Sometimes the Christian discipline of our daily “quiet time” with the Lord can seem a bit stale and predictable, kind of like a marriage relationship that gets into a rut of daily routine. A new experience is invigorating and life-changing! The same goes for our most important relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I want to turn my heart toward home with more of those “2 Chairs” moments. He’s waiting to talk to you, too, as an all-wise, all-knowing Friend Who loves you more than you ever dreamed possible. I also think it’s important to value what He tells us by writing it down in a journal. You may be amazed at the thoughts you start picking up from Him once you put pen to paper. I have found that to be the case, and His thoughts never violate Scripture. He always encourages, comforts, exhorts, edifies and builds up just as He tells us to do when we prophesy to one another, as instructed in I Corinthians 14:3 and 31.

A daily “Time Out” is vital to a happy, healthy spiritual relationship with Jesus. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 (New Living Translation)

Copyright © Elaine Beachy

The Grocery Bill of $17.89

The cashier at Food Lion announced my grocery bill total: $17.89. As I wrote out my check, I paused, looked up at the cashier, and suddenly said, “1789 was a very good year!” I grinned at the cashier, who laughed, and so did the male customer behind me. As I tore out my check and handed it to him, I remarked, “Now I have to go home and ‘Google’ what actually happened in 1789! I’m sure something important happened.” We laughed, and as I left, he remarked, “Now, you let me know what you find out.” I answered, “Okay, I will!”

Here’s what I found out.

·         George Washington became America’s first president, elected unanimously by the United States Electoral College.

·         John Adams was elected and declared to be America’s first Vice President.

·         Congress met and declared the United States Constitution to be in effect.

·         The House of Representatives attained its first quorum and the first Speaker of the House, Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania, was elected.

·         The U. S. Senate attained its first quorum and elected its first President pro tempore, Senator John Langdon.

·         The Bill of Rights was created

·         Department of State established

·         Department of War established

·         First regular army of several hundred men was established

·         The first Thanksgiving Day was observed as a national holiday, as requested by President George Washington, and approved by Congress.

Our nation was founded on biblical principles and with God’s help and blessing, because of a reverence and appeal to Heaven for help. True historical documents reveal that truth. It’s desperately sad that those who hate America are re-writing our children’s history books so that our children don’t know the truth of our founding. That must change, because truth is important; without it, we end up at a place we don’t want to be. One forms beliefs on what one reads, hears, and sees. Our beliefs also form because of peer pressure. Those who hate America have listened to lies about her. I love it that Rush Limbaugh has written wonderful children’s books in the Rush Revere series that accurately portray America’s history in an entertaining way for kids.

In those early days of our government, Congress spent hours in prayer and Bible reading before doing business. The mindset of our founding fathers is clearly portrayed in John Adams’ letters to his son. https://shop.wallbuilders.com/letters-of-john-quincy-adams-to-his-son-on-the-bible-and-its-teachings

Also, here is a helpful resource that addresses head-on the accepted lie about the meaning of Thomas Jefferson’s statement about the separation of Church and State: https://shop.wallbuilders.com/the-jefferson-lies-b37b . In short, the intent of our Constitution was spelled out in the First Amendment. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Born out in other writings as well, our Founders intended that the government shall not interfere in the church’s business, nor shall it create a national religion, such as was the case in Great Britain’s Church of England during those days.

Our nation’s founders esteemed the Holy Bible as their rule for life and law, including Thomas Jefferson, who has been accused of cutting out Scriptures that didn’t suit his theology, namely, that Jesus was divine. Noted historian, David Barton, totally refutes that lie. Surprised? I was. But also, very glad.

The truth is, because of a sermon sent to him, Jefferson cut out all the teachings of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and pasted them in a book and had copies made as an evangelistic tool to the Indians! He made two books like this, titled “The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth”: one for the Indians in 1802, and one in 1820, when 9,000 copies were made and given to every member of Congress. This is something we were never taught. Here is David Barton giving much more detail: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/01/12/popular-historian-explains-the-truth-behind-thomas-jeffersons-controversial-jefferson-bible/

Noah Webster, lexicographer, language reformer, lawyer, schoolmaster, author, newspaper editor, and outspoken politician, said, “It is alleged. . . that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men ‘who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.’”

I’ve seen an hour of the Foundations of Freedom DVD series produced by Wallbuilders organization with historian David Barton, and I highly recommend it to every family, every church school, and to those who home school their children. Its meticulously documented contents will amaze you, encourage you, and give you the truth. If you are a lover of truth, it will also anger you when you see how far revisionists of our history have fed us and our children with lies. https://shop.wallbuilders.com/foundations-of-freedom-series-dvds02

I believe a long-overdue political reset is coming to America, because of the prayers of many who have appealed to Heaven for God’s mercy and grace upon our nation. A reset that will once again honor God in our public discourse and in the halls of government. A reset that results from God’s people humbling themselves with prayer and fasting, and seeking the God of Heaven, Healer of our great land.

America, America, God shed His grace on thee;

And crown thy good with brotherhood,

From sea to shining sea!

Copyright © 2016 Elaine Beachy