F-O-C-U-S

FOCUS on........God's Word everyday!

Acrostics can help me do just that. FOCUS!

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Get ready for the confetti! 

Thankful Thursday is here. The 4th Thursday in November is probably the penultimate "Thankful Thursday" for Americans.

I have been "shooting" prayers for family, friends and neighbors all day as God brings folks to mind. Gratitude is heart filling!

ευχαριστώ 

In everything give thanks....

THX!

Thanks be to God.

Thank you,O Lord!

Get the idea.

A WAY WITH WORDS!

It is one thing to be a wordsmith.....

but it's much rarer to express one's self in both words and art. EMYO does just that.

What a privilege it was to attend the launch at Dixon Gallery and Gardens last week of her book, Marisol's Dress. It began with a reading by Emily herself with the accompanying Spanish translation as her mom sat in the audience.

The story itself was inspired by her mother's journey from Cuba during the revolution as she fled the communist revolution there with only her abuela, one white dress that twirled and only one doll to a place across the blue ocean where she knew no one and did not even know the language spoken there.She carried her Mama's words in her heart. 

Remember you are brave and you are loved.

When lonely in her room in America, Marisol has only white paper and some pencils. A great truth enters her mind.

She realized what she had in front of her was enough for today.

The book encourages all to face hardship with courage....

When life gives you lemons, make paper dolls.

EMYO's book has young readers searching for lemons on every page.

From the large impressionist art works from which the illustrations were drawn to the unique words and phrases included, the book itself is truly a complete  work of art.

Marisol's Dress is so special to me because the book depicts the life of EMYO's mom, a dear, dear friend of mine. It also can inspire others, regardless of the age, to know they are brave and loved in the midst of challenges.

Needless to say, I will pass this treasure on to each of my granddaughters.

THOUGHT PROVOKING......

Thought provoking or just plain ole sin?

"Let go and let God" is what my AA brother learned.

Act on what you know. Leave the rest to God.

Paul says to "throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us." (Hebrews 12:1) 

Overthinking is wearying me out. My worrisome thoughts are a euphemisim for control attempts...people, events and things I cannot change.

Entangling me. I need to throw it out! Not only does hubby see this in me but friend Jerrie does as well.

She gifted me lately with something she knew was right up my alley....sticky notes!

But.....the quote, probably, also right up my alley,  gave me pause. Not a refreshing pause.

Hmmm...back to square one for me, the consummate overthinker!

Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

We need only to have faith and leave the details to God!

SPIRITUAL ORDER!

ORDER??

Alphabetical? Branding/ Focal? Spiritual?

The lines at Everett Street Diner in Bryson City, North Carolina are long even before 7am opening time. 

Why? ESD has reputation as the best breakfast in town!

Their mug branding attests to this. It's all about food!

Though food is the focus....family and faith are all so included.

I might consider spiritual branding first, which would also include alphabetical correctness, also important for a "word nerd." Faith first.

FAITH. FAMILY. FOOD.

"Through faith the righteous have life" to enjoy the other above mentioned components. (Hebrews 11:6)

Always put God first. Spiritual order counts in life!

WORSHIPFUL WONDER!

God's creative wonder through my kitchen window can have me bowing in worship.

A new fledgling of bluebirds flitting back and forth for their mealworms.

A hairy woodpecker and goldfinch at the suet cakes.

A Carolina chickadee on the swing.

A new visitor--a house finch* with his red tuft caught in the sunlight.

Focusing on his creation by simply looking out my window, allows me "NOT to get tangled up in tomorrow's worry-webs," as Sarah Young reminds me. (Jesus Listens November 17)

Wonder of Wonders! Right outside my kitchen window! 

Worthy of Worship for their creator!

*Friend Anne B. said the little yellow bird might be a ruby crowned kinglet.Thx for the info! 

HUMILITY IN PRACTICE!!

Humility. Without pride, Lowly. Meek. Gentle.

Recently, I came across a NT analogy of humility. It seemed to truly represent the  characteristic of thinking of others more important than oneself and translating those thoughts into action. "Tie on the servant's apron."

The staff at First Evangelical Church does it well! Quite literally!

We can choose to do it too.

Begin each day with your apron at hand. 

Tie on your servant attitude as you sip your morning cuppa humili-TEA!

PHYSICAL THERAPY +

Some PT facilities dispense more than physical therapy!

A little bottle on the wall says it all!

HEART OF WORSHIP!

A heart of worship must be filled daily!

Moment by Moment.

A heart of gratitude.

Grabbing my cuppa grace-TEA-tude, sweetened with grace, I'm working on a heart acrostic for the week.

Honoring

Exalting 

Adoring

Revering

Thanking

Focusing on the radiance of my redeemer, rock, refuge and restorer before I even begin repenting and requesting my need for refreshing from Him. (Acts 3:19-20

I'm going back to the "heart of worship." Won't you join me!

SUSTAINING GRACE FOR ALL OUR YEARS!

Too often my weariness and complaining spirit of aging maladies becomes an audacity or impudence of sorts to those who age well. Cast your cares on God and He'll sustain you.(Psalm 55:22)

Some folks make 95 look great! 

Bobbie Scholik does just that! Check out that smile & she had not even been out of the hospital for 24 hours! Of course, it helps to have son, Chris and daughter-in-law, Jamie, who are great caregivers. I was a drop -in visitor and I was the one who left with the biggest blessing!

I was reminded of the comfort God's word brings as I pushed the down button on the elevator.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29)

More specifically....."Even to your old age and gray hairs.....I am He who will sustain you. " (Isaiah 46:4)

O Lord, may I have "ears to hear" of your sustaining grace as I age.