FRIDAY FOCUS!

Our relationship of trust with God is a result of focusing on Him in all situations.....

.......again and again! It's a biblical call. 

Focus on God not man......worship and serve Him with an undivided heart. Therein lies the problem/hurdle. From wisdom studies, "My One Word" for 2025, I have "learned" (still working" on this) wisdom is not in just knowing but in doing. Action is key! 

Wisdom is truth from God's Word. "You will know truth, and the truth will set you free," (John 8:32)

Recently, I read the distance from the brain to the heart was 20 inches but can't remember exact source. Google was my next step of validation.... varying distances 12", 14", 18" & 20" still emphasized to me that truth in the head (brain) is physically a short measure but spiritually/emotionally quite a stretch to turn into action! 

Continuous action needed to elicit change.!

Philippians 4:8 says it well. 

Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Think on these things...... FOCUS again and again in order to transform "brain" knowledge into heart action, using God's grace as the glue to hold it there!

REFLECTIONS!

REFLECTIONS.....

......in God's creation can easily get one's attention!

In the beginning, God created! (Genesis 1) God separated waters (seas) and dry land. (earth)  How blessed we are to see the dry land vegetation of earth reflected in the waters gathered together.

Rocky Mountains National Park, 2019---

Waters reflect not only the dry lands but also the  beauty of the clouds and blue skies, as reflected in Anne B.'s amazing photography!

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. (Proverbs 27:19)

REFLECTIONS.......

.......are all around us! I tend to avoid the ones in the mirror first thing in the morning! Plus, the dark chocolate others see on my lips shows my  lack of discipline.

In Scripture, James 1:3 uses an analogy of man looking into a mirror & then forgetting. The mirror of God's word can reveal truth that needs to be remembered and reflected in one's life. One's life needs to reflect the glory of God----as Jesus is the perfect reflection of His Father.

REFLECTIONS.....

....from God's word, His creation, and one's own heart are the actions that need to reflect the applications of Biblical truths in one's on life!

AMEN!

STATIC KIND OF DAY!

Ever felt like this at the end of a day?

Photo by RK 2025

 Ever had a day as annoying as these flyaway frizzles?

Totally out of control?

Out of leaning in to God's control that is! The ONE who is truly in control!

Trusting God not only builds our faith but can turn our pain and fears into testimonies!

Knowing who is in control cultivates patience and peace.

For the physically and mentally wobbly....KNOW who is in control!

It's NOT you!

Let it go and enjoy the day God gives you......

......flyaway hair and all!!!

STEADFAST!

I love my steadfast bookmark! 

Not only for its  beauty and "steadfast reference" to its biblical context of being firm, unwavering and resolute in purpose, but for me it's the verse included that speaks to my heart. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB95)--Therefore, my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord.

The verse is so memorable to me because it was given to me in in 1997 in a gymnasium in Budapest, Hungary. Cots were spread out for us to sleep on until there until we could leave to travel to Kővágóörs, a village of 900 inhabitants. We would be at Cornerstone House, near Lake Balafon to teach English as a second language. 

Wide open showers were  provided in the gym but not a single shower curtain. Not to worry..... as a "just in case" gal I had packed a shower curtain. Plus, friend Pam had sent a large jar of peanut butter with me & I became everyone's friend because I had American peanut butter

A gentlemen helping us unload asked if this was a first time mission trip on a foreign field for anyone.  I raised my hand. That's when he gave me the note with the verse to encourage me to "keep on keeping on" in the work of the Lord!

That verse continues to speak to my heart.

SATURDAY SURPRISE!

Picnic in close-by Great Smoky Mountains National Park away from the weekend throngs.

A table all to ourselves with a tasty lunch I did not have to prepare!

Sharing Scripture --from a fave......Psalm 34. Glorifying the Lord and exalting His name together as chum WH had inspired us to do earlier this morn. Our focus was on verse 4 as I am seeking to "live" without fear with hubby's ongoing support.

We stopped by a floral wonderland in our "kin" BB & Poppy's yard! I took over 9 pix for my Seek collection! 

Her cosmos grabbed my heart! 

The BIG surprise was when hubby produced some Lowes' reward money and took me there to stock up on their "on-sale" flowers --total = $4.28! WOW! Some to share with neighbors who have continued to bless us and "keep me in the pink" day after day!

Surprise! Surprise!! We "ran-in" to (crossed paths with, not an accident) our daughter and son-in-law while gassing up to head home!

I thank we had moment after moment of tasting and seeing that God is good! (Psalm 34:8)

Maybe a better title for this entry would be a plural!

Saturday Surprises!!

ROAD REMINDERS!

ROAD REMINDERS......seen coming and going as we drive to our ridge of the mountain!

TRUST JESUS COMING!

TRUST JESUS GOING!

"Pithy with a Punch" at its best!

Trust Jesus---enough said!

LOOKING TO JESUS!

"Run the Race"! 

In this season of life, running isn't always an option! I would probably trip over my cane! Plus, endurance would probably be short-lived.

Bible Marginalia reminded me, "entrusting to Him is key to endurance."

Run the Race. Which race? Hebrews 12:1 gives the answer, "the one set before us."

Bible Marginalia again......Life of faith = long run...ie not a sprint or an easy run. 

Before discouragement set in, I read the answer to running the race in the life of faith. The all important phrase of Hebrews 12:2----looking to Jesus! 

Think focusing, trusting and relying on "Jesus, the name above all names" as the source of our life of faith. (Philippians 2:9)

Looking to Jesus at my life stage/age  needs more than a ck off the list quiet time.

It can require extended time.....often that includes being still, looking up and out the window that frames my prayer chair. Blue skies or rainy fog--the weather doesn't seem to matter.  

It's the condition of my heart that matters as I seek time with Him.

 

Know Peace. No Fear!

Looking to Jesus is soul affirming. 

YUMMY SNACKS WITH A CHRISTIAN OUTREACH!

Sometimes a message on a favorite snack can make it so much better!

(Especially when the product purchased in North Carolina was made near Memphis in Bartlett, TN and I once worked with a family member of the company!)

Be exalted, O Lord, in your own strength!

We will sing and praise your power. (Psalm 21:13, ESV)

Even their company motto "Life is so delicious" reflects the policy of this Christian company!

Delicious memories from 1979 forward!

KEEP SINGING TO THE LORD!

Sing to the LORD a new song. Psalm 40 tells us a new song can flow from divine grace. 

A Psalm also filled with steadfast love references motivating worship!

Think praises. An overflowing fountain. 

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Tune my  Heart to Sing Thy Grace".

Even an old familiar hymn can wash over us with renewed vigor (loud shouts, Psalm 33:3) when we add our personal praise lyrics to it.....or a lyre, a harp of 10 strings. (Psalm 33:2.)

Singing is worship! Keep singing even if others carry a tune better than you. (For me, it's sweet Pat, from Tampa who summers in the mountains & carries a beautiful tune as she sits beside me on the back row.) 

 

Singing from the heart is the key and delights the LORD!

Keep singing! Let the Lord's steadfast love be upon you! (Psalm 33:22)

TTT---SO IMPORTANT!

TTT........Trust the Truth!

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when your rise. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

AMEN!

"When our children are ignorant of the past, they will have no hope for the future. (Warren Wiersbe, p.391)