Time to "focus" in on this past week's
activities...since I claimed my
It seems like whenever
we claim a new word, that particular word takes on a life of its own...and it
gets our attention in so many ways. "Focus"
is definitely getting my attention. But, isn't that what the word "focus" means in the first place? http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focus says
"
1fo·cus
noun \ˈfō-kəs\: a subject that is being discussed or studied : the subject on which people's
attention is focused
: a main purpose or
interest
: a point at which rays of light, heat, or sound
meet or from which they move apart or appear to move apart; especially : the point at which an image is formed by
a mirror, a lens, etc. "
Well, this week the focus has been on things needing repair...or, I
should say, "expensive things" needing repair.
- My car developed a rock and roll and rattle which necessitated
some focused attention, i.e. REPAIRS.
- Our home insurance cancelled our policy because they
didn't have enough business in this area, necessitating our finding a new
policy.
- The NEW policy required a house inspection.
- The house inspector refused to sign the certificate
unless we replace our ROOF.
Yikes!
There were a few other
more minor things, but they all added up to getting our attention right where
it hurts the most...our pocketbook! Not a great way to start the New
Year!
But, after focusing our attention on these issues we have evaluated
the bigger picture, and have come to some new realizations (with the wise
counsel and help of some good friends):
- The car repairs are not as serious as first feared, and
we found a trustworthy and reliable Christian mechanic who also happens to
be extremely fair.
- If the home insurance company had not cancelled our
policy, necessitating our having an inspection of our roof, we would not
have known that our roof was in such bad condition until possibly a leak
developed and/or serious damage was done to our home.
- And, actually it isn't the whole roof, but one section of our roof due to the
configuration of the way our house is built, so it will not be as
expensive as if it were the whole roof. And God has shown us a way to pay
for it reasonably...in time...but reasonably.
- And, the other more minor things are just that, minor
things that can be fixed and are not the end of the world if they are not fixed right away.
I also have learned that
spending time each day in God's Word helps me to focus my mind and heart on the things that are
most important, and to prioritize the issues that come into my life so that I
can tackle that which is most necessary first, and take care of the others as
needed.
Here are a few verses
that come to "light" right now:
- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and
a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
- "You (God) are my hiding place and
my shield; I hope in Your word." Psalm 119:114
- "Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
and I shall observe (focus my attention on)
Your statutes continually." Psalm 119:117
- "The entrance of Your words gives
light; It gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130
- "In my distress I cried to the Lord,
and He heard me." Psalm 120:1
- "I will lift up my eyes to the
hills--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made
heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2.
What have I learned this
week?
- "Blessed is every one who fears the
Lord, who walks in His ways." Psalm 128:1
- "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 136:1
That sums it up pretty
well...but to put it in common language...I have learned to focus my attention on God instead of my circumstances...and to always look
for the hidden blessing in the midst of the trials of life. And I have
learned to give thanks to the Lord, for He IS good! His mercy DOES endure
forever! And I've also learned to give thanks for the people God brings into
our lives to help us when we need it most. I pray that God will bless them for
their kindness in ways that we cannot.
So, what kinds of things
have you focused upon this week?
Oh, Lady, you were given to me from our Father...no doubt about it! These words..."I also have learned that spending time each day in God's Word helps me to focus my mind and heart on the things that are most important, and to prioritize the issues that come into my life so that I can tackle that which is most necessary first, and take care of the others as needed." ...are exactly what I needed to hear ...see...right now. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about all of these major things that require money to be taken care of popping up just as you begin a new year. My prayer is that He will give you the means and direct you as you give them your attention.
Love you,
Dianna
Thank you Dianna...I KNOW God is focusing HIS attention on US right now, and helping US to focus OUR attention on HIM, because He loves us and desires our company and attention. I am thankful that these were really minor things in the grand scheme of life. His mercy DOES endure forever. Praying for you and you walk the path before you in 2015. Know that you are never alone. God is ALWAYS with you, even when you haven't noticed!!! Love to you dear friend.
DeleteOh man, lots of big stuff that you wisely learned to focus on with a smaller lens rather than magnifying them into something overwhelming! You guys are simply brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteNO, God is simply brilliant...and He gives US HIS LIGHT to lead the way. That's how He got my attention, and I am SO thankful..yes, for the smaller lens rather than the magnified view of bigger things than I can handle. God is so good. Thank you for your bright smile today.
DeleteAh, focus. What a great word. And yes, how wonderful that He revealed so much when you focused your attention, first on Him, and then, through Him, on what was necessary. Not more, but just exactly what is necessary. We all need this. So hard for me to learn. Isn't it true that He often teaches us most clearly through our pocketbooks?
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Sometimes it takes a reality check in the checkbook to help us focus on what is really important. But also I love how God opens our eyes to other truths He has "hidden" right before our eyes! When we trust Him with our wallets, we can also trust Him to bless the wallet after it feels depleted. God is good...all the time good!
Delete"What the enemy planned for evil, God planned for good." Joseph to his brothers. You have focused on the right things that these issues have uncovered.The need for the insurance change led you to find our about the condition of your roof. This in turn could have led to more and more expensive problems. God wokrs in wonderous and mysterious ways.
ReplyDeleteOh Thank you Cecilia, for reminding me of that verse regarding Joseph. That is SO true! Very good. Yes, God has taught me a good lesson this week...at first I was frustrated and upset that we would have to figure out how to do this financially, etc., but God showed me that He was protecting us from a bigger issue...and He would provide all we need to take care of it. So very thankful. Thank YOU for also noticing this blessing.
DeleteHi Pam! You are really 'focusing' on your days and life. What a wonderful witness you are to all of us. I'm sorry about your roof, but I'm so glad you can find a positive spin. Nothing that God gives us lives without the breath of God in it. Your focus will see that, and I can't wait to be enlightened by your view.
ReplyDeleteBlessings in 'focus' in the year to come!
Ceil
ReplyDeleteQue bonito post, me he paseado por tu bloc y me ha encantado.
Te animo a hacer una ojeada en el post de esta semana y seguro que veras algunas ideas realmente interesantes.Deseo que te guste y si es así me alegraria que te hicieras seguidora. gracias por visitarme.
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