Focus

Where’s Your Focus?

April 15, 2021 by Ellen 2 Comments

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 NASB

Confession time: I love my stuff! While I didn’t grow up dirt poor, we did without a lot of things. The things we did have, had to stretch and last. We had a garden to grow food. Clothes would be worn until we outgrew them or they wore out. Often, shoes were re-soled to last a few more years.

Because of this, I enjoy the fact that I am able to have stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t idolize it! I’m thankful that all I have is from God (James 1:17). I am thankful that He has blessed me and I’m able to buy all sorts of stuff.

Sometimes, having so much can make us a little too comfortable. Take my home, for instance. It’s my happy place; my safe spot, full of peace. I am content when I am home. All my stuff is here. I have all I need.

But, am I so satisfied being in my little world, that I forget heaven is my true home?

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:2 NLT

Photography (yep, I have camera stuff too!) has taught me a bit about seeking the things above. I love to take macro photos – very close up shots. I love the detail of the flowers, or the or the way a tree’s bark seems to tell a story. Even the fascinating dot patterns on a lady bug capture my attention.

Zeroing in so closely on each and every detail, causes me to miss the big picture. That beautiful yellow flower? There is a whole field of them that I didn’t see, because I didn’t look up.

Life is like that too. Focusing on the doodlebugs of our circumstances, instead of the One who controls all circumstances, keeps our eyes on the problems, not the Problem Solver.

How can we keep a heavenly perspective? Change our perspective! See things through the lens of Christ’s perspective. Choose to be thankful, even when life is heartbreaking. See the blessing, instead of the burden.

Look up.

Why? Because that’s where Jesus is, seated at the right hand of the Father (turn your eyes upon Jesus).

Focus on Jesus, not your circumstances (look full in His wonderful face).

Practice having a heavenly perspective (and the things of earth will grow strangely dim).

In all things, be thankful (in the light of His glory and grace).

Turn your eyes on Jesus:

In the good: thank Him!

In the bad: praise Him!

In the ugly: cling to Him!

Grace be with you,

Things Distracted Women Need to Know

February 28, 2019 by Ellen 7 Comments

Let’s be real here. Transparent. Raise your hand if you ever get distracted during your quiet time with God. Yeah, me too! You would think that I could stay focused since I am spending time with the God of all creation! But no. I look up and see the crooked picture frame on the wall. Mentally, I straighten it out. Then, I look around the room and see dust and cobwebs that need to be cleared, instead of looking into the Word and clearly seeing Jesus.

My friend Betsy, at Faith Spilling Over, has a new book that released February 26. It’s called More of God, A Distracted Woman’s Guide to More Meaningful Quiet Times. It is a must read for all of us who can’t seem to keep our focus during our quiet time. Betsy has so much practical help in this book, that I think everyone should read it!

Part of MY problem just may be that I’m in a Quiet Time Rut. Have you been there? For the most part, I love a routine, but I recognize I need to shake up my mornings with Jesus every now and again. Betsy has some great suggestions that I will try, and they involve pretty colored pens! YAY!

The first is Verse Mapping. This is one way to dig deeper into God’s Word. And, as Betsy says “it puts a fun, creative spin on Bible study.” First, choose your verse, and write it in the center of an unlined piece of paper. Then, with different colors, circle, box, or underline words that stand out. You can also add notes around the outside of the verse – using carious colors, of course! And you could also do a Greek or Hebrew word study on your verse map. Betsy also suggests that we personalize the scripture with our own name, or the name of someone you are praying for. I’m no brain expert, but I think this would also make for easier memorization! YAY!!!

[tweetthis]We find new freedom and joy when we let go of what’s grown stale and open the windows to fresh ways of connecting with God. Betsy de Cruz, More of God [/tweetthis]

Very similar to verse mapping is Betsy’s suggestion to Prayer Map. Wow! I never would have thought to do this! Betsy says “something about looking at that map, with requests written out in different colors, keeps my mind focused on prayer.” By each prayer request on your map, you can add a specific scripture to pray.

You can find these wonderful tips and more in Betsy’s book More of God, A Distracted Woman’s Guide to More Meaningful Quiet Times. Betsy gives many suggestions for helping us to focus and make our prayer times more meaningful. But she is quick to remind us that Jesus is with us all day long!

“A meaningful quiet time is a springboard for inviting more of God into the rest of our day.” Betsy de Cruz, More of God

And we all need more of God, amen?

Father, Forgive me when I lose my focus and become distracted while I am sitting at Your feet! Thank You Lord, for these new ideas to make my time with You more meaningful! I love You, Father God! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Grace be with you,

Meet Betsy:

Betsy de Cruz writes and speaks to encourage women to get more of God’s Word in, so they can live their faith out. She wrote her book More of God to help distracted women take small steps towards God to experience more of His presence and power. You can find Betsy online at Faithspillingover.com where she shares Bible study and prayer tips for distracted women, as well as encouragement for everyday faith and family.