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.

Profundi-TEA

Profundi-TEA--I'm steeping a big cuppa to share the deep (for me) insight which the Lord has shown me to aid my knowledge of John !5:1-17.

Irish Breakfast is a good strong black tea---perfect to jog "profound" thoughts!

THOTS as I have dubbed it---Trusting Him On This Subject!

This past week in response to a valid question asked by BSF friend, Jackie, I shared with her how John 15 had changed my "spiritual" life. Then, she asked me how many verses were in the book of John.  I realized that I had not a clue.

So, last Wednesday, I opened my Bible to the book of John (27 verses, by the way) and realized it was not the entire chapter that had so impacted my "first" journey into Bible study. It was the "abiding" passage in the first 17 verses which the Lord used to draw me unto Himself.

As I returned to the passage, I began to use the "precept" method of inductive Bible Study re-introduced to me by Marilyn LeBlanc in our "Summer Refreshment " study of the book of Esther.
I began to look for key words.

As I meditated (and counted # of times certain words were used) I found abide (11) love (9) & bear fruit (7) Arranging  them in descending numerical order put them in alphabetical order----which spells alb.

Alb---a white linen robe worn by a priest at mass.

For the first time in 40 years, when I was first introduced to this passage by Bible teacher Kay Arthur, I saw those words becoming my personal "alb" as the white robe (Psalm 51:7) of His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10) of "my high priest" (Hebrews 4:14) covered me as I worshipped!

I'm not sure the "steeping" is complete in my cuppa profundi-TEA as there still seems to be a few thoughts "brewing" in my head. But....I decided to pour out what I've learned so far. (before I forget it) 

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SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: Austin, TX

12/16/12 “Don we now our gay apparel.......troll the ancient Yuletide Carol”

with all its fa, la, la, la, las, had me asking myself, “What am I donning?” What kind of cheerful countenance am I putting on while lying in bed?

Remember the old Four Seasons song verse, “I’d change my sad rags into glad rags, if I could?” Sounds like a choice to me. So I got up and decided to post Snapshots to remind me of the wonderful “pre-Christmas” days, I had prior to getting sick. “Putting on” positive reflections of God’s goodness---those are the glad rags I am donning.

A-men--Sign said it all! 

Opulent Driskill hotel---built in 1886

In Austin TX, residents decorate trees all along the roadside---this one obviously done by a UTx  fan!

A beautiful state capitol decorated for Christmas with carols playing in both English and Spanish

Whole Foods flagship store with more pepper varieties than I've ever seen

Fun in 78° temps

Tea at the Driskill with Gigi and Bonnie, my young friends

6th street---home of the dueling pianos and lots of "live" music

A "teacup" tree at the Tea Embassy---right up my alley

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)

One is really “decked out” with the Lord---so it should show in my countenance even from my sickbed. I felt better just looking at the pics---hope you will as well.