RETRO-FOCUS!

Retrofocus has only been a photography "lens" term that I never quite understood.This past week I have used it as a lens through which I revisited my past times with Sarah Young. 

Looking back has soothed my soul. A much needed balm. 

A signature. A picture. Texts. E-mails. A cuppa together.

Notes in my Jesus Calling journal & other journals as well.

No WOE with her, no matter how many opportunities for woe in her life, her focus was rarely there. Maybe a simple prayer request that I saw as a "biggie." Then a turn  to Words of Encouragement for me. 

She also gave me encouraging words to share with others during tough times, when I had no words.

At the crux of my MAC cancer journey in 2009, an 8:37 pm email offered comfort so I could sleep.

Helping me to hang my guilt away in a locked area of my mind.(Isaiah 61:10)

Modeling God's grace to replace remorse.

Teaching me time with Him is the best R & R! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Helping me focus. Refocus. And Refocus. (Repeat as often as it takes.)

Today I wished she were here with me, an SOS of sorts. 

I already know that she would remind me of the BEST SOS---when in distress, Seek Our Savior!  

I'll refocus with that sweet reminder from Sarah.

BLESS YOUR HEART!

Sometimes we need words of comfort. 

Relief for a flagging soul. A drooping heart. A complaining spirit. Cynicism.

Words of comfort are needed so that one may not "grow weary and lose heart."(Galatians 6:9)

My prayer O Lord, for others and self today, "Satisfy us in the  morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)

In the South, three words are often used to convey that needed comfort. Not mere words but words that lead to action.

"Bless your heart" wrapped in a hug and a prayer.

SWEET WORDS ON MEDITATION MONDAY

What a way to begin Valentine's Day!

Sweet words from scripture served up alongside a "cuppa" with a tad of honey and a splash of milk, yummy heart-shaped cookies (thx Wynellen) and an open Bible.

The Bible has a lot to say about "Sweet" words. Today let's start as we "Taste and See" that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8) as His words encourage us.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and heart to the body. (Proverbs 16:24, ESV) NIV describes those gracious words as sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 

Other versions use different adjectives: Good words, (Brenton Septuagint); Kind words, (NLT);  Pleasant words, (Berean); speech of the wise, Aramaic; Well ordered words Douay-Rheims. Pleasant/Pleasantness used in 19 versions & kind used in 3.   

Regardless of the translation it's easy to get the idea. 

Today my focus is own "kind" words---spoken from the heart. Heart-shaped.

Like honey--sweet to the taste and good for your health. (Good News Translation)

May the Lord use my words to others as sweet to the spirit & body. 

Words of love on Valentine's Day and every day.

GOD'S GRACE

Grace notes continue......

God's grace saves.....stays......and transforms. (Buddy Liles, Allen Bible Church 1/23/22)

Grace is God's mercy with blessings. (Jen Pierce, Heart to Heart 1/26/22)

May my life reflect grace-driven living. (OB HOG prayer card #6)

Pithy with a punch to help us remember God's Grace.....and share it with others. (1 Peter 4:10)

.....Author Unknown--Source, Brother Buddy

Encouraging Words

K- Love brightened my day yesterday with an "Encouraging Word."

That's the intent of the radio program's (94.9 FM/Memphis) daily Bible verse.

"Then when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply." 

(Isaiah 58:9, NLT)

Those encouraging words encouraged me, allowing me to share with others in prayers.....from Mexico to Binghampton and on to a hospice room in east Memphis.
Paying it forward.
How about praying it forward? .....all the way to the end of the chapter.......to satisfy the afflicted soul, (v.10) to allow the Lord to guide, (v.11) to honor Him (v.13) and once again to delight Thyself in the Lord. (v.14)
That's what encouraging words are meant to do.