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)

ROOTED IN LOVE!

Rooted in Love!

May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love an founded securely on love, (Ephesians 3:16-18, AMPC)

A former FEC pastor familiar with the writings and struggles of Anne Lamont, sometimes would quote her, without endorsing all she says. That's what I'm doing here.

• Love is a root system. (p. 8)
• Love is compassion. (p. 9)
• Love is what our soul is made of, and for. (p.10)
• Love is a piece of toast and a diamond. ((p. 10) Think either. (DAL)

Shared love, rooted in Christ, with other believers is a reflection of God's love. (John 13:34-35) Think fellowship. Genuine love for one another that mirrors Jesus' love. Being there for each other during hardships and struggles. Over a piece of toast or a cuppa tea. For a few minutes or an hour.

Love is an action!

Love is rooted in the Father's Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

FORWARD IN FAITH!

Go forward in Faith.

Remember, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." (Dave Hawes)

Choose the way of faithfulness (Psalm 119:30)

DUSTING OT DEUTERONOMY TO FIND NT QUOTES!

As Mark describes Jesus' teaching about the greatest commandment, He includes Deuteronomy 6:5 which Matthew's account omitted---possibly because Matthew's readers would have understood this but Mark's Gentile readers probably would not. (Thomas Constable Mark notes, soniclight.com Mark's words indicate loving God completely.....in every way, with all aspects of one's being....beginning with heart as the control center and with strength including all the one's bodily powers. (Grassmick, p.164)

"Dust off" Deuterononomy 6:5 and find the source of Mark's words. 

I did.              

GOD'S STEADFAST LOVE!

Sing for Joy in the LORD (Psalm 33:1).......

Rejoice in the LORD,

Sing to Him a new song; (Psalm 33:1,3) *

Why?

...the word of the LORD is upright,

...His work is done in faithfulness.

...the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

...Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.

The Words are His. Make the melody yours.

SING! SING!! SING!!!

*The Lord had me in Psalm 33 yesterday---the result was this entry.

At bedtime last night I listened to First Evan Church service and heard a few choir members  read aloud these very words. God had me here ahead of time where He wanted me.

An affirmation of sorts. Much Needed. That was my God Wink! I wanted to "Shout for joy in the LORD!" (ESV)

DUSTERONOMY

A recent sermon by ABC elder Mark Andrews, in Texas on the fruit of the Spirit....focused on the aspect of faithfulness. 

The opposite of faithfulness is forgetfulness. Pithy with a punch! 

I'm still musing on it. One cannot remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ, if they forget who He is! God's son. Our sovereign Savior!

Emphasizing how the faithful love the Lord and serve others, he used reminders from Deuteronomy of the same truths.

He encouraged listeners to explore one of the most quoted and alluded to OT books in the NT. (Allusions are important but can be difficult to measure) 

Narrowing it down to the top 3, I became interested in Deuteronomy as earlier, Mr. Andrews had used the term, Dusteronomy. Being more familiar with Psalms and Isaiah, I decided to "dust off" the verses of Deuteronomy and ask the LORD for contextual clarity as I begin to study this 5th and final book of the Pentateuch! 

Emphasis loving God and serving others.

When asked the greatest commandment, Jesus, in Mark 12:30 cited Deuteronomy 6:5, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." 

Seems like a good place to start my dusting!

CLOSET COLLECTION!

Drizzly beginning to the day. Three tries to procure the right clothes for a much needed early (9am) morning walk. 

Decision making is not my strong suit. Emotional struggles can be more difficult than physical. How does one dress appropriately for each new day? Regardless of the weather or emotions?

Therein lies the question! 

The correct answer was a spiritual one. 

"Put on" a new self. Wear the clothing of Christ---humility and love each new day.

When one seeks the things above, one's mind becomes set on things above, appropriate apparel for all days. 

When I opened my closet door I had affirmation on the chest inside.

God's got this!

FRIDAY FOCUS!

This week my prayer focus has been for many who are battling medical maladies, especially cancer, individually or alongside their spouse and unexpected difficulties.

May the Lord continue to be their counsel and refuge as I shared with several of them. 

Psalm 16:8 emphasizes one's intentional focus on God as a source of His Presence granting protection.

To focus on a particular verse I use Bible Gateway with the verse citation.

 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2016%3A8&version=ESV

At that point, I have access to read the full chapter for context or select the verse in all English translation. For me, that adds depth to my focus.

Over 50 versions are listed. If I don't understand the abbreviation, I can click on it and the source is shown.

Today's jottings showed me positional differences as well as outcomes which have become today's "Friday Focus"! 

I am the one doing the setting---continually (AMP & NASB), 

always keeping eyes on the LORD (NIV)--sounds like focus.

The word for LORD in all caps, Jehovah (ASV, YLT), ADONAI (CJB, TLV) & Yahweh (NOG)

Why keep the LORD set before me at my right hand? 

So I am not shaken. (ESV, NASB +) I am not moved. (18 versions) I will not slide. (GNV) I will not be defeated. (ERV) I will not be upset. I will not stumble or fall.  (TLB) I will not be hurt. (ICB)

I will be protected from fear. (CEV) I will stand firm. (ISV) I will always be secure. (NIRV)

FOCUS! FOCUS!! FOCUS!!!

PRAYER CHAIR PROMPTS!

SCRIPTURE PROMPTING PRAISES!

He tends His flock like a Shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

PRAISES for a LORD who keeps us close to His heart!

POWERFUL HEARTFELT WORDS!

A timely card from a talented friend brightened my day. 

I thank my God in all remembrance of her. (Philippians 1:3) She uses God's word to share that she" holds me in her heart." (Philippians 1:4)

On a week when I await the funeral of two friends' husbands, those words offer comfort that I can pray for them as well! 

"When I pray for you, my heart is full.....for you have a very special place in my heart." 

BUT GOD.....1

Blue skies. Green trees. Milder temps.

All magnified by a phrase from God's word on a car in the parking lot.

Walking slowly holding hubby's arm and  praying for friends who last week were labeled wives and this week are leaning into the LORD even more as widows who will be attending the funeral of their late husbands this week.

Though all around them circumstances have changed, both have clearly understood the importance of "but God" who in His love and mercy has provided many prayerful saints as their prayer warriors and helpers.

O Lord continue to be their "refuge and the strength of their heart and portion forever."

THANKFUL THURSDAY CONCLUDES WITH A GREAT BOOK1

When eyes grow weak an avid reader might struggle. But God in His love and mercy has provided all the tech needed for audio books or 

'books on tape" as they were dubbed in the 80s. I know because as I read aloud years ago to a blind friend paralyzed friend, I would leave audio books set up for him on weeks I would be unable to visit & his caregiver would just press start. He dubbed them life savers!

In the past year, I have listened to a few audible books on my Libby app, but none as timely as The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs.Kip by Sara Brunsvoid, a Christy Award - and Carol Award- winning author who creates stories of hope.

It has been a Godsend since my recent short hospital stay 2 weeks ago followed by rest for recuperation to "hear" of a spirited septuagenerian spending her final season of life in a care facility. The audio book is enriched as "narrator" Sara Farrington is excellent!

An enjoyable book of hope, regardless of circumstances. 

A great reminder of the importance of dying to self, again and again in order to serve others well.

How thankful I am for that reminder!!

HEART RESTORATION!

3 Rs of Heart Restoration.

Last night my heart monitor quit.

I never saw the signals. Beeps and Blinks. 

I never felt the alerts. 

Hubby reread instructions......which I couldn't understand.

Restoration was needed. Guidelines were required for recharging.

I called the "24/7 hotline". The answering machine suggested going to emergency room or calling back M-F between 8 and 5 pm EST.

Whatever happened to truth in advertising!?

How grateful I am for the Lord's restoration of my heart. He is truly available 24/7! Revival comes through prayer! True Heart revival. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
1Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12)

His word has all the instructions clearly written, understandable & ever available via the Holy Spirit......for relatable, renewing, reviving of one's heart.

BLOSSOMS!

Blooming where planted regardless of circumstances, even aging, has one flourishing and producing fruit. Think blossoming spiritually!

Fruit bearing is a result of spending time with the Lord whether in bed, on a prayer walk, sitting on a front porch or in a prayer chair!

The godly will flourish......even in old age! (Psalm 92:12, 14 NLT)

PITHY PONDERINGS!

How doe one survive the storms of life?

(Tim Keller faith in Christ reminder to "rest in Him."

Hope in the One whose name is majestic in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1, 9)

He is "our" God.

In short, to survive the storms of life, stay in the boat with Him!

ROOTED!

"Sink your roots in Him and build on Him. Be strengthened by the faith you were taught, and overflow with Thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:7, NOG)

As it says in Matthew 13:3-6, (paraphrased) when there is "no depth of soil, roots wither away."

May the Lord extend my roots to the Living Water today as I  trust in His Spirit to guide me to flourish with my mind rooted and filled with Scripture to stay steady through life's ups and downs.

"Yes" and "Amen." To God be the glory.

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MISTY MOUNTAIN MEANDERING!

In everything give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

When life's struggles overwhelm......give thanks!

When high temps prevent walking......give thanks.

In all medical circumstances that disappoint.....give thanks.

This morning, lower temps allowed an early morning walk----a first walk in July! More of a meandering! Thanks flooded my mind!

Handicap parking was available. No walkers blocking views. Sounds of rushing waters from last night's rain. His peace had cocooned my mind and heart. 

Then, things changed----busloads  of  WCU cross country runners appeared for their 4 mile run......along with their photographer from Furman.

But God made it easy give thanks as all in their youthful strength and attitude, smiled and said hello as they passed us by....both coming and going!

Why give thanks? The answer is straight from God's Word.

It is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

TERSE VERSE

Today's verse might not be terse but the words from a praying friend were just what I needed to start my day. A "lifter-up of my head" as it says in Psalm 3. My entire body seemed spiritually lifted as it the Lord were "strengthening my frame" for the day ahead. (Isaiah 58:11)

I rise spiritually; Lucy, age 13 in Long Island NY, rises physically.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;  then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:8)

*Click to read Journeys blog from 2015