Author: Beth Morrison

“When you fast…”  Matthew 6:16
I have spent my entire life in the church, my fondest family memories are sitting in the wooden pews of Tidal Presbyterian.  Dad, Mom, Matt, me and Ron all seated in a row.  The older gentleman behind us, God forgive me, I can’t remember his name, always gave us chiclets.  Dad always stood outside the front doors, smoking cigarettes with the guys before the service started.  Rev. T. Donald Hamilton was our pastor.  Loved him!
In all those years though, I never remember learning about fasting.  There is a real possibility that I may not have been paying attention.  I didn’t really start to learn about fasting until I was an adult.  I definitely didn’t start practicing fasting until the last 15 years of my life.  I did know about Lent.  I always liked to give something up for Lent every year, even as a child.  I didn’t truly understand the full scope of what I was doing.
Now I do.
Fasting is a powerful tool.  My devotional this morning said it best:
“There is a closeness to God that you simply will not experience from prayer or personal devotions alone.”  Excerpts from Awakening: A New Approach to Faith, Fasting and Spiritual Freedom by Stoval Weems (pp. 63-64)
That is why I love fasting.  It draws me into God’s arms.  It is like nestling into His shoulder, all warm and cozy.  The insights He reveals to you during times of fasting are life changing.  He has changed my life through every fast I’ve done.
There are several different types of fast you can do.  Our church started a 21 day fast yesterday. Here is a great resource to learn more about fasting:
https://www.watersedgechurch.net/21daysofprayerfasting/
During this 21 day fast, I am fasting one meal a day and spending the time in prayer.  My husband and I are completely fasting one day a week together.  I have already been doing a modified Daniel Fast which is why I chose to fast an entire meal.  A lot of people are doing the Daniel Fast for the 21 days.
I am so excited about what God will do in my life, in our marriage and in our church through this collective fast.
There are so many facets of fasting to talk about, I can’t do it in one blog.  I want to share one of my most life changing fast experiences with you as an example of why I love fasting.
It was several years ago.  I was going through a difficult time with my immediate family.  My Mom had been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer,  My brothers and I were at odds with each other, no one was speaking to each other.  We were all so torn up in our emotions, no one knew what to do, we all felt so helpless.  In desperation I turned to God.  I didn’t even know what to pray, but I knew I needed Him more than ever.
I started a 10 day fast.  I decided to fast breakfast and lunch, praying during those times instead.  I have to tell you, those prayers were more like groans.  I didn’t even know what to pray.  I just clung to God, trusting Him.  Pouring it all out to Him.  It was about half way through the fast I felt the tides turn, for lack of a better way to describe it.  I knew that I had found victory in the spiritual battle I was fighting.
Immediately I thought, “Yay, I can stop fasting!”  Even quicker I heard God say, “Do you want the full victory or the partial victory?”  I knew I wanted the full victory, so I continued the fast.
I received the full victory.  It didn’t happen overnight, it didn’t happen in the next week or month.  In fact, some aspects of it took years.  My family is fully restored.  My brothers and I learned to work together.  We learned to enjoy Mom’s last years here on earth with her.  We were able to let her go to the arms of Jesus when the time came, all of us at peace.  All of us together.
The person who God changed most during this particular fast was me.  He didn’t change the circumstances. He didn’t change my brothers.  He changed me, because I was the one who needed to be changed.
If I ever need to be reminded of the power of fasting, I just think of those ten days that changed my life forever.
Thank You God!

“Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  The blind man answered, “Teacher, I want to see.”  Mark 10:51 NCV
It is the end of the first week of January.  It was a tough week trying to achieve the goals I set forth for myself just over seven days ago. By the grace of God I did. I laid in bed this morning thinking, “I didn’t write my blog this week.”  (One of my goals for 2018, write one a week.)
Then I read my devotional this morning.  Titled Goal Setting is a Statement of Faith.  It went on to explain the reason Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted him to do wasn’t because he didn’t already know.  Jesus knew a blind man would want to see again.  It was because He wanted Bartimaeus, the blind man, to state his faith.
God’s timing is always perfect. I needed the reminder.  I can’t do anything without Him.  The reason I wrote my goals in my blog was for accountability.  God just let me know, it was also a statement of faith.  It is what I want God to do for me this year.
At the end of my devotion today, it challenged me.  It reminded me, Jesus asks the same question right now:
“What do you want me to do for you?”
He asks it ever day, every morning.  Have you ever thought about how you would answer that question?  I have to be honest, I didn’t have an immediate answer.  All of my requests seem so trivial.
Then I thought of this verse:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
Jesus isn’t asking me what I want for tomorrow.  Just for today.  Today is Sunday.  It is a day of rest (Exodus 20:8).  I get to go to church and worship.  I get to come home and spend the day with family and friends.
Today, Jesus, I want you to help me rest.  We’ll worry about tomorrow when it gets here!

“For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3
If you had told me five years ago I would be living life in an RV I would never have believed you.  Now I pray for the day when we can become full time RV’ers.
Why?  The people we meet, the places we go, the experiences we have.
As I write, I’m surrounded by people from all over the continent, literally.  There are people here from Ontario, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Ohio, Indiana just to name a few.  We’re representing Virginia.  I’ve seen Texas and California.  All of us here in the same spot for this moment in time.
I love talking to them.  I love finding out their stories.  A lot of the ones here are snowbirds, down for the winter.  Others are full time RV’ers just stopping by.  I learned about a new volunteer position, Camp Host.  They are here to help their fellow campers enjoy their experience.  They dole out firewood and ice.  They give guidance on the local surroundings and they share stories of the campground.  In exchange, they stay for free.  What a wonderful thing to one day be able to do.
This is the longest we have ever stayed in our RV.  I was hesitant, even anxious as we started this journey.  I prayed fervently for God’s guidance and direction.  I asked His angels to surround us on our journey and keep us safe.  I love when the peace that surpasses all understanding settles upon you once you give your fears to Him  (Phillippians 4:7).
I feel His pleasure when I take steps of faith and get out of my comfort zone and into His arms.  I’m honoring Him when I live life to the fullest as Jesus intended (John 10:10).
It reminds of a quote by Eric Liddell, Scottish Olympic Gold Medalist runner, rugby union international player, and Christian missionary:
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”
I feel God’s pleasure when I overcome my fears.  When I live outside my comfort zone.  The angst I felt at the beginning of this trip has turned into gratitude for all of the blessings I’ve received. The moments shared with my husband that build our marriage stronger.  The sand dollar given to me by a stranger on the beach.  The stories I’ve been told by my fellow campers I will carry with me.  And so much more.
What fear is holding you back?  What journey are you not taking?  As the New Year begins, spend time with God.  Ask Him to take you out of your comfort zone into His arms.  See where He carries you, how He blesses you, how He grows you.
You won’t be sorry!

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.”  Proverbs 16:3
I’ve prayed over it all week.  It’s time to establish my goals for 2018.  I know the verse, I’ve got the word, now it’s time to add the goals.
It actually is so hard to choose.  Mainly because I still need a lot of work.  It’s useless to try and fix everything at once.  It will only lead to defeat, and inevitably failure.  Failure in itself is not bad, in fact it’s necessary to learn and grow.  The important part to failure is picking yourself back up, brushing yourself off and getting back on the road.
As I’ve prayed over these goals, I’ve tried to make them realistic.  Something I can and actually will do.  One of the passions God has re-awakened in me in 2017 is writing, hence the blog.  He’s brought writer’s into my life who have inspired and encouraged me.  I’m adding a fourth goal this year, one for writing.  What I learned in 2017 is the most important thing about writing is you must do it.  It’s not about being a best selling author, it’s about developing the gifts God has given you.
If you’re unsure of what your gifts are, ask yourself, what do you love?  Answering this question can point you in the right direction.
My goals for 2018:
Spiritual:  Praying over my calendar on Monday mornings.  Finding and completing a domestic mission trip.
Physical:  Continue my two classes a week minimum.  Increase cardio workouts to 5-6 times a week.  (Cardio meaning walking, biking, zumba etc.)
Financial: Come in on budget personally each month.
Writing:  Write a blog weekly.
That’s it.  That is what I’m going to work towards in 2018.  God help me, it’s the only way I can do it.  His first prompting is for me to create reminders and add it to my calendar so I don’t forget what I’m working towards.
Happy New Year Everyone!  I pray you are able to set and accomplish your goals!
 
 

 
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.”  Proverbs 16:3
My verse is Proverbs 16:3 for 2018, my word is Commitment. 
Commitment, when defined is the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. An engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.  Commitment is challenging, takes work and is always a source of growth.
I have to be honest, I thought I was pretty good at commitment.  I try hard to live up to my word and do what I say I’m going to do.  Apparently, I’m not as good as I thought I was.  From God’s perspective He’s going to use it to grow me.
When I think of commitment, I think of Matthew 5:37:
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
What I’m beginning to see God outline for me isn’t that I don’t live up to my word, rather I don’t include Him in my plans.  I don’t take time to pray before I commit.  I’m not committing to the things God wants me to commit too.  That is what I’m beginning to understand.
For instance, one of my favorite things to do is pray over my calendar.  I like to do it on Monday mornings.  The problem is, I don’t do it every Monday morning.  I do it every now and then, but when I do it always makes my week better because I know, whatever is on the agenda has already been prayed about.
Hmmmm….maybe that should be my spiritual goal for 2018?
I really don’t know what God is going to do through this word in my life.  Is it my ministry?  My marriage? My work out routine?  Probably all of them in some way or another.  Good thing is it will take all of the 365 days of 2018 to figure it out.
If you’re working on your one word for 2018, here is a great resource:

It’s an easy read, not very long, but helpful in defining your one word!

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
For the past few years, I’ve changed my approach to the year ahead.  It started because of one of my favorite pastors, Mark Batterson.
It was through him I first heard of having one word to encapsulate the year ahead.  One word that he focus’s on for the entire year and uses it as a way to grow personally as well as spiritually.   I have adopted the practice into my own life.
I have a threefold approach to the New Year.  I have a verse, a word and then goals.   I pray over what they will be as the New Year approach’s.  I write them down and post them all over the place so I am mindful of what they are.  Over the next few days, I’ll share my 2018 plan with you.
First, let me recap 2017:
Verse:  Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Word: Trust
Goals:
           Spiritual:  Go on a mission trip
           Physical:  Do some type of exercise class twice a week
            Financial:  Pay off Prius
As you can see, they are all quantifiable and realistic.  Something I can look back at the end of the year and see how I’ve grown.  I did go on my first mission trip in March to El Salvador.  It was amazing.  I did grow spiritually by the experience in so many ways.  I can’t wait to do another one.
I have been able to add in two exercise classes a week to my life.  For the first part of the year it was Body Flow, a mixture of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates.  Then it was Boot Camp this summer.  Currently it’s Hot Yoga which I’ve been doing three times a week.  As a result, I did lose some weight and my blood work was better than the year before, my doctor was very pleased!
The Prius is now paid off.  We paid it off in March.  Praise God.
That’s how it works.  That’s what I try to do.  I am now in the process of planning my 2018.  I thought for an extra measure of accountability, I’d share the process with you.
Let’s talk about the verse for 2018 today, in the next couple of days I’ll talk about the word and my goals.
I started asking God last week in my quiet time what my word for 2018 would be.  I like to be in His will, I figure He knows what He wants to work on in me, so best to go directly to the source.  He gave it to me on Sunday.  Immediately after He gave me the verse.
My verse for 2018 is Proverbs 16:3:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
I’ve highlighted it in my Bible.  I’ve dated it and written the word for 2018 beside it as well.
Now I am starting to pray the verse.  I’m asking God what He wants me to learn from it?  How does He want me to use it in my life?  What does it mean to me?
I’m meditating over it.  As I do, I’m starting to formulate my goals for 2018 from it.  I have no idea yet what they are, but when I know, you’ll know.
At the end of this process I will write them down.  I will take a picture of them and make it the screen saver on my phone.  Then I will constantly be reminded of what I’m workin on in 2018.  God willing, this time next year I will be able to tell you how it affected my life.  How I’ve grown.  What God taught me.
What is your verse for 2018?   Now’s a good time to stop and ask God.  I’m sure He has one for you, and you’ll know, without a doubt, what it is.
 
 

“Give thanks in all circumstances…”  1 Thessalonians 5:18
I love November.  I love the Facebook challenges to post one thing you are thankful for each day of the month.  All because the Thanksgiving holiday falls on the fourth Thursday.  The Pilgrims began the tradition as an opportunity to thank God for their bountiful harvest.  It was a time for them to see the fruits of their labor.  All of the hard work they had poured into planting, nourishing and harvesting their crops.
I practice thankfulness daily in the form of a gratitude journal.  I started it in January of 2014.  It has truly transformed my life.  It helps me put into practice Phillipians 4:6-8:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I start by being thankful.  It is amazing, how no matter what circumstance you find yourself in today, you can find something to thank God for in it.  You don’t have to thank God for the circumstance, look for the blessing IN it.
I didn’t thank God the day my precious Cody died at the young age of 20 for the circumstance I had hoped I would never have to encounter.  I did however thank Him for the friends and family who were there for me on that day.  They lifted me up.  They cared for me.  They were God in the flesh to me as they wrapped their arms around me and let me grieve.
I didn’t thank God for losing my job.  I did thank Him for my husband He gave me who supported me as I started my own business as a result.
I didn’t thank God for the car accident which totaled the car.  I did thank Him for the insurance He had provided which covered all of the costs.
Bad things are promised to happen.  Jesus tells us so in John 16:33  “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  One way we can overcome our troubles is by developing an attitude of gratitude.
If we make Thanksgiving a part of our everyday life instead of just the fourth Thursday in November it will transform you.  It will help you find God in the midst of whatever circumstance you find yourself the center.  It will help you know you are never alone, never forsaken, never forgotten.
You can start today.  You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving.  Instead of just doing it in November, why not do it everyday?  Let thanksgiving become a part of your daily life.  Then watch as your life is transformed!

”All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.”  Psalm 6:6
Yesterday is what I call a grieving day.  It’s the second one I’ve had this year.  Both have been grieving over the loss of my Cody boy.  Both have taken me completely off guard.  I find myself in a flood of tears which don’t want to stop.
I love what a friend just texted me.  I had to write it down because I’m pretty sure yesterday will not be my last grieving day.  However when the next one comes, I’ll understand it more.
Developmental Grief in a nutshell is when grief can be made fresh again due to different developmental points in life such as birthdays and holidays.  In my case, yesterdays can easily be pointed to Halloween and Cody’s birthday in a couple of days.
The part she wanted to share with me is why we still hurt:
“What do you believe occurs for the person who reaches the acceptance stage?  Does “getting over it” mean they have moved past the grief so it doesn’t debilitate them any longer?  In our “check-it-off-the-list and move on” society, we falsely assume that acceptance means the loss no longer impacts our life.  This simply isn’t true.  Acceptance essentially means that a person comes to terms with the reality of their losses and chooses to live in spite of it.  The sorrow will still linger, but the intensity is lessened.  When a person chooses to process the grief, they still have questions, but they aren’t emotionally paralyzed anymore.  The consequences of the loss are still unwelcome, but can be faced head on.”
It’s true.  On grieving days, I often think of verses like Psalm 6:6.  David grieved.  Even Jesus wept (John 11:35). We are allowed to grieve.  In our society though, grief is uncomfortable.  People want everyone to be ok.
On days like yesterday, I remind myself, I don’t live to make other people comfortable.  I live for an audience of One.  God knows my broken heart.  He knows I need to grieve.  He will always be there to comfort me.
I don’t know what you have lost.  I know we have all lost something.  There is so much loss in our world.  Loss of loved ones.  Loss of dreams.  Loss of jobs.  Whatever it is,  understand and give yourself permission to grieve.  It is what will help you keep moving forward to all God has in store for you.
Give yourself permission to grieve.  Let God catch your tears:
”You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book.”  Psalm 56:8

“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
There is a saying I’ve heard which I feel describes how I have experienced grief since losing my nephew Cody.
Grief is like the Ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing.  Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming.  All we can do is learn to swim.
Vicki Harrison
It is so true.  It comes in waves.  Unfortunately, as time goes by, you never know when those waves are going to hit you.  I find they will knock me over because I had my back turned to it.  I didn’t see it coming.
Last night was Halloween.  I loved taking Casey and Cody Trick or Treating when they were children.  I loved the excitement and the energy.  Of course I loved the candy.  It was such a treasure.
Saturday is Cody’s birthday.  He would of been 24 years old.  I’m finding the combination of Halloween and his birthday has turned into a 100 ft. wave of grief for me.
Everything seems overwhelming.  The tears have started to roll down my cheeks.  Every time I think they’ve stopped  another one trickles down.
It’s a grieving day.  I’m letting myself have it.  I called a friend. I loved what she said to me.  She said when someone is knocked down what do the Emergency Responders tell you to do?  They tell you not to move or you could hurt yourself even further.  She gave me permission to let this wave wash over me, to let myself grieve.
Strangely, I needed the permission.   I’m not moving.  I’m allowing my heart to ache.  I’m letting the wave wash over me.
No matter how big the wave is, no matter how much the pain.  It was worth having him in my life for the time God gave me with him.  I’m so grateful.
I’m grateful for days like today.  I never want the waves to stop coming.  Even when they knock me down.  I know God will comfort me.  I know I will stand back up. I have learned to swim.  But I never want to forget.
I love you Cody!  I miss you!

“A woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”  Proverbs 31:30
One of my daily practices is to read a chapter of Proverbs each day.  I read the chapter which correlates to the date.  Today is the 31st so I read Proverbs 31.  Months that have only 30 days in them make me miss one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible.
The Proverbs 31 woman who is described in verses 10-31 has always been who I aspire to be.  When I was single, I had these verses framed, hanging beside my bed.  I remember lying in bed, I would look over and read them.  My prayer was one day I would get to be that kind of wife, that kind of mom:
^[a]A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
I have heard many a messages about the Proverbs 31 woman.  I’ve seen spoofs on how impossible it is to be her.  None of us can live up to her standards.
It’s true, none of us can.   I don’t think we are supposed to be exactly like her.  I fall short in so many ways, but it is in my shortcomings where I grow.  It’s where I learn.
I won’t ever be all She is, but God did answer my prayer.  I do have a wonderful husband.  He gave me the chance to try.