CHOOSE: THE CORRECT FOCUS

Need a new outlook or a fresh focus?

Sometimes we just need to look up---

Whether in a chapel........

.....in a hallway at a storytelling festival...

......or on the road.

Other times we need to look down and absorb the words.

It's crucial to choose the correct focus because our "mind feasts on what it focuses on." (?)

Such thinking can make or break one's identity so a correct focus is key.(Proverbs 23:7)

Visions of Life

4/12/11 “Seeing is not necessarily something we do with our eyes alone” was the statement Maisie Dobbs quoted in Winspear’s recent novel in that series. That sentence grabbed me because it’s been part of my contemplative mood of late. There’s more to life than meets the eye. Or we all view the same things but see them differently based on our perspectives.

Some of us have a narrow view point based on what we have experienced----similar to the age old story of the blind men and the elephant. Each of the men “saw” with his fingertips BUT because each was experiencing a different part of the elephant each of their “sightless perspectives” reflected that.

In Girzone’s, Joshua, A Parable for Today, readers are reminded that “each person looks at life through a different vision.” The example given is that of three men viewing a tree. The entrepreneur might view it as a financial endeavor and be calculating the value of the lumber. A family man might view it as firewood to give warmth in the winter for his brood. Another man might simply view it as God’s creative art that expresses “God’s love and enduring strength.” (Girzone, 67)

All of these references coupled with God’s word about the condition of our heart as it affects our perspectives have given me pause for thought. Our heart condition (our values) reflects the way we see life. I want my children and grands to see life based on their own godly values. I want them to focus on God’s love and provision. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Proverbs 23:7) Once again one’s heart reflects the real person, thus affecting his life’s view.

My plan is to pray these verses toward that end, that they might have a godly vision of life.

The eyes of your understanding (rendered “heart” in NIV) being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:38) (That overflow would brighten our life's vision, not cloud it. DAL)

Sunday Summary

1/24/10 WARNING----You might not want to read this. It might wear you out. But…..if you decide to read it, please continue to its conclusion because there is always hope at the end of this turbulent tunnel called life.
A “War of Words” has been going on in my mind these first three weeks of 2010. Warring is difficult----battles wear me out. But…..they are necessary otherwise the wrong thoughts will take over. Those thoughts of fear and uncertainty can become the focus and that wrong focus can wear one out! "For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

Granted there are things that I can’t change---aging, the Haiti catastrophe, work hours, grant deadlines, family illnesses and choices of others. Possibly my reactions and responses to these givens need something, but what? Turning off the nightly news might temporarily relieve me of the claustrophobic thoughts/fears of being buried alive and weeping for those who have had to endure that. I try to push down that fear with scripture knowing that He has not given us a “spirit of fear” but of power….so where’s my power-----what can I do to help the Haitians. God has given me valid ways. Now, how do I help others see God’s goodness in the midst of this?


Haitians have needs, family has needs, friends have needs. I have needs---coherent thoughts and an ability to articulate words that seem to “trip” coming out of my new mouth. I need more time for praise and prayer for folks with appropriate scripture verses and a computer that doesn’t frustrate me. I need to remember to remind my husband of how grateful I am for his support (dishwashing hands) and the down time he allows me, especially on weekends.
I’m overwhelmed. I need a nap! Actually, I really need exercise but the bed draws me more often than the walk, the weights or the swimming pool. I need a “mind” so that I don’t forget my keys or glasses as I rush out the door at 5:30am.


Doc visit last week reminded me that my own “forgetfulness” is probably exacerbated by aging (can’t change that), effects of anesthesia and surgery (can’t change that either) as well as stress and fatigue (3:15 am wakeups don’t help). Uh –hello, that list is not exactly an ah-ha moment, so what do I do about it. Doc rec was a good vitamin----which I forget to take ½ the time and cutting back. Where do you cut? I need more time and energy to minister to others. I’m too tired to even talk on the phone most nights. The One who is necessary, is NOT where I need to cut back but I am having to make creative adjustments and they don’t look very spiritual. I need to quit worrying about what the world sees (as if my testimony is of utmost importance) and only care about what God wants. His Goodness can get along without me. (Oh my---now there’s a thought that shouldn’t come as a shock.) God doesn’t need any of us but He delights in all of us. (Zephaniah 3:17)


Oh, He has given me glimpses of His grace all month---Michèle’s call, card & needle work reminders from HHS chum, pimento cheese, an encouraging blog comment, caring wise brothers, celebrations in Texas, Berlin UMC ‘s “Lord of the Dance” and timely e-mails. God’s way is glimpses of grace. I just happen to want gobs of grace and I want it yesterday. I want time. I want energy. I want it all and yet I can’t keep all those plates spinning. Sounds like too much of me and so little of Thee. How sad!
Once again I return to the juxtaposition of my human frailty and God’s strength. At this crossroad, I need to choose His power and give Him my limitations.
God Calling 1/23 entry “It (God’s power) is breathed in by the soul who lives in My Presence.”

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy Presence
Living in me

(Mercy Me, 2002)

For 3 weeks “Word and Prayer” have been my bookends. Even though limited, this time is vital. It’s just not what it was when I was in Dallas----I’m not in Dallas anymore and God has really had to protect my back side as I have returned to work with less mind, less strength and new demands. He has given me grace for one step at a time. Grace for today. I know that’s true. I lived it for an entire year. That’s what I need to remember.
The Zephaniah verse also says “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior” (In Him, the war is already won.) and Romans 8:37 reminds me “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
So welcome to my "Sunday mind"----not one of warring but one of acceptance. Now I can leave the war room and go to the ballroom where I can dance. I want to dance!