FRIDAY FOCUS!

Simplicity of song heard this Friday morning was an "open invitation," of sorts to turn my eyes upon Jesus..... to FOCUS FULLY on HIM!

Just click and listen. .....for only a minute and a half to begin your focus.

Be still.....(Psalm 46:10

Fix your eyes upon Jesus........through song, meditation and prayer.

Look to Him.......in quietness and trust.(Isaiah 30:15)

Gaze on God. Glance at all else.

REFOCUS

Consider....opening His Word. (Hebrew 12:3)

Examine..focus on the fact that God is present & speaks to us as we read His Word. (Psalm 119:105)

Inspect...words you hear/read on line...Beware of false prophets

Seek...Him first. (Matthew 6:33)

Thank God in everything! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Focus on Him......not self!  A great Friday Focus!!

WAITING.....WAITING....WAITING.........

Waiting is not Easy!  (Click to share with a young child.)

Sometimes a children's picture book can simply say it well. 

Many Mo Willems books resonate with me whether Elephant and Piggie, Pigeon or Knuffle Bunny books. Knuffle Bunny was such a favorite, that going "boneless" became a shared word in our household. If you've ever had an obstinate grandchild go boneless on you, you get the picture.

During this pandemic season, I have found myself waiting for my life to return to normal. I am now realizing that I need to learn to embrace these moments as normal. Day in and day out, I must celebrate each day as God guides.....even if I "feel" like I'm going nowhere.

I just need to "wait" for the Lord. As it reminds me in Psalms 27:14, I just need to be strong and take heart as I seek His direction. I've been losing heart lately & growing weary (Galatians 6:9) instead of considering Him. (Hebrews 12:3) I need to keep hoping for what I do not see instead. (Romans 8:25)

I need to celebrate life as it is as I wait.

s l o w i n g VERBS NEEDED

Wordsmith Wednesdays seem to frequently have me exploring verbs. I have spent several years focusing on dance in both the verb and noun parts of speech. However, the last 2 years I have focused on a single "action" verb each year. I know because in 2017 I logged over 200 "choose" blog entries. Sunday, I reread a "choose" entry on nearness of God as I was praying for others through Psalm 73. 2018's verb focus has been "consider" and I've learned in all my actions, it's important to "consider" Him first! (Hebrews 12:3) 

I might need to focus more on Him today as I seem to be  growing weary and losing heart, as the rest of the verse states. Lysa Terkeurst's Embraced, stated, "We run at a breakneck pace to try and achieve what God wants us to slow down enough to receive. (p.19)

Maybe I need to focus more on "to be" verbs ----verbs of being, not action.

Maybe for me, a compromise is needed---action verbs indicating a slower speed.

Amble. Linger. Relax. Soak. Be still. Bask. Be refreshed.

Pause before speaking.

Pause before seeking.


Slowing verbs might be just what I need. How about you?
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CONSIDER BIBLE USAGE

So much to consider! Considering "consider" verses that is.

According to online King James Bible Dictionary, the transitive verb consider is used 67 times. 

Impressive for "My One Word" for 2018.  

The first time consider is used in God's word is in Exodus (after Israelites left Egypt) and the last time is in Hebrews (after Jesus' resurrection). 

Now therefore, I pray you, if I have found grace in your sight, show me now your way, that I may know you, that I may find grace in your sight: and consider that this nation (Israel) is your people. (Exodus 33:13, KJV)

For consider Him that endured such contradiction (hostility & opposition)of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Heb. 12:3)

Those two verses alone are enough to have me change to the noun form with an er suffix and become a "considerer" of these 2 verses today.