I Must Focus!

Today I was checking out a new blog and was excited to find one dealing with focus. “Yes – that’s for me!” I thought. There are so many projects I need to work on, yet most days I see very little progress. I’ve suspected the culprit is lack of focus, so I sincerely sought inspiration and instruction.


The author began with a definition of focus – “to pay attention, to clarify, to concentrate.” It was right about here that my attention was diverted by my cell phone. No, it didn’t ring. I just happened to remember that I needed to turn the ringer down so it wouldn’t disturb my husband’s sleep.

Got that done. After re-reading the first definition, I continued on to find a second … Oops! Interrupted again – this time it was my husband’s cell phone. I heard the funky music ringing faintly from the bedroom where he was supposed to be sleeping. Poor guy – awakened from his sleep by a telemarketer. Ugh. I brought his phone to the table where I was working.

Now, where was I? Oh, right –a second meaning of the word “focus,” this time as a noun – the center, that which holds my attention. Hmmm, right then I had to admit that nothing seemed to be holding my attention.

The blog entry finished with Scripture passages - the first one,

Phil. 3:13 “ … forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“ (ESV)

 I found during my third reading of this same verse, trying desperately to focus, that my mind had somehow wandered to my desire to bake chocolate chip cookies. Shaking off the strong urge to grab a bowl and spoon, I tried a fourth time - Stop! The race was put on hold as I stopped to jot down a note – Return movies TODAY!!

Alright, I was now ready to return to my task at hand. Shoot! I had tried to ignore it, but it kept peeking at me from behind my laptop. I had forgotten to clear the table of breakfast dishes, and there it sat - a plate full of toast crumbs begging to be cleaned. “Well, you’ll just have to sit and wait,” I silently ordered. “I must focus!”

My declaration, however, seemed to ring hollow. I felt hopeless, as I inwardly whined and sort of prayed, “Why can’t I focus?” At this point, I recounted all the distractions that had stolen my attention up to that point. I could see each one in vivid detail. My apple-motif oven mitt holding a cookie sheet filled with hot, chewy, golden-brown chocolate chip cookies, the crumb-filled plate waiting patiently on a woven placemat just behind my computer, the dvd’s perched on the tv in their plastic cases, our cell phones sitting closely enough to me so I would know when they vibrated … each of these recorded by my mind’s eye in living Technicolor!

At first, I chided myself at my apparent lack of discipline. Then it hit me! Pictures! I had recalled all of these scenarios as pictures! That’s it! How I love the fact that Jesus taught using word pictures. He was thinking of me when He did that, I’m for certain. Whenever I read a story or a poem or even a letter, my mind sets it up in pictures – sometimes moving, many times still shots. Considering this, I decided to return to the blog

Hebrews 12:1,2 " ... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (ESV)

Wow! The pictures invoked by this reading appeared fast and furious! My vision, you might call it, was actually set in slow motion, like a photo-finish of a race. A smiling Jesus with outstretched arms motioning for me to keep going! Nail scars, visible each time the sleeves of His white robe were jostled as He waved me on! His eyes locked on mine, exuding strength - as if to will His strength in me.Yet He was having fun, laughing, and obviously happy to be cheering me on – like a parent or a big brother watching and waiting for me to finish my race well!

I must say I really enjoyed this worship experience. Yes, this time of reading actually became a chance for me to commune with my God personally and profoundly. He spoke to me through His word as He helped me to retain my focus. I’m sure this will continue to be a struggle for me.So I choose today to keep running the race, looking and focusing on Jesus. He is not only waiting in heaven for me, but today He is cheering for me and sharing His strength and joy!

"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

Happy Birthday, Aunt Lou!

My Aunt Lou's birthday marks the beginning of spring. She graduated to heaven a long time ago, but memories of this sweet lady flood my mind especially at this time each year. As a child, I would ride with Aunt Lou to church most Sunday mornings, and in the spring and summer months, I was often entrusted with the task of carrying her fragrant flower vase on my lap in the car. I had to be so careful not to let it tip and spill water during our trip. The blooms were supplied by her ever-flourishing backyard garden. They would adorn the old grand piano while she played the hymns for our little church.

As I reached my teenage years, occasionally the flowers would linger a bit longer as we'd stay after Sunday evening church to sing around the piano. Aunt Lou would pull out her "special music" books and sheet music and encourage me and my friends to practice for future services. I always admired her talents for playing piano and singing harmony which seemed to come so easy to her.

Brave soul that she was, Aunt Lou actually allowed me to practice driving once I received my permit. I drove back and forth to church while she held the flower vase in her lap.

I eventually became the worship leader accompanied by Aunt Lou, and whenever we had a hymn sing, I'd ask her for a favorite. She refused to be nailed down to one - she'd just quietly assert, "I like them all." Certain hymns still remind me of her, and tears flow freely when I consider how she nurtured me through the years. I didn't always make wise decisions; yet, Aunt Lou demonstrated a constant love and concern for me.

Thank you, Aunt Lou. I love you. Happy Birthday!!!

2010 - His Plans/My Plans

Looking forward to a new year with excitement! We found out that we'll be welcoming a new grandbaby sometime in 2010. My friend, Bobbi Chance, and I will work feverishly to promote and develop our speaking ministry, "Becoming Women of the Word." My family and church are praying together that Jerry's shop job will change his schedule to afford him more opportunities to enjoy his music in different venues. Even better yet, I'm praying that God will give Jerry a full-time position using his music. I'm starting a workout regime coupled with improving my eating habits in order to take better care of my body and hopefully see awesome results for the longterm!

So today, as I revel in the ideas floating around in my head - I ask God to give me concrete plans for each of my goals. I also ask for wisdom along with tenacity to see them through. Of course, the icing on the cake is the knowledge that God already has wonderful plans set for me!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

I really just want to get in on His plans and enjoy this life to the utmost as I glorify Him! Won't you join me?

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!"

Mary Christmas - No, it's not a misspelling!

Celebrate this Christmas with wonderful music! Just click the link and enjoy this song by my friend, Christian music artist, Brian Bates. www.brian-bates.com/marychristmas

And while you're at Brian's website, be sure to check out his music video, "You Danced!" It's great!

Merry Christmas - God is with us!

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!"

Thanksgiving: A secular holiday?

Happy Thanksgiving! I thank the Lord for His generous blessings in my life - food, family, friends, fun, fulfillment. I thank Him for this blessed land in which He chose to place me. I thank my God for revealing Himself to me so graciously every day. I thank Him for His faithfulness toward me even - no,especially - when my faith is weak. THANK YOU, LORD!

Thanksgiving was first celebrated to honor our God for blessing our forefathers. Later, it was declared a national CHRISTIAN holiday by none other than our American presidents! Wikipedia says, "While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday." NOT WITH MY FAMILY!! How about yours?

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

Prepare - why, how and for what?

WHY PREPARE? Yesterday, a friend told me her gym teacher once warned the class that they should exercise their bodies in light of needing to buy insurance when they got older. She had no idea what he was talking about, so she dismissed his comments. Now, as an adult, she realizes the implications of her teacher's advice. But, alas, it fell on deaf ears at the time.


HOW DO I PREPARE? I confess I also didn't consider the future when my parents tried to train me in life skills like laundry, cooking and the dreaded dishes! I pretty much did my utmost to avoid all of these chores in my home. I'm actually infamous in my family for all the excuses and stunts I pulled to get out of doing dishes. My dad insisted that with five children in the house, he didn't see a need to buy a dishwasher. "I've already got five dishwashers," he would proclaim. So my siblings revel in the irony that I am the one who grew up to have the most children (five) in my household - and no dishwasher - until we became empty-nesters a few years ago.

If I had worked on those chores through the years, I would have been much more prepared to be a homemaker. Fortunately, God and my husband, Jerry, have been gracious through the years as I learned on-the-job. But boy, would things have gone so much more smoothly had I learned those skills from my mother when I was given the chance!


FOR WHAT DO I PREPARE? I've watched other Christians deal with tragedies. Those who have a consistent walk with God definitely shine in those instances. Although they most likely didn't realize it, God had obviously been preparing them emotionally and spiritually. That's what I want! I really desire to be ready if a doctor says that "c" word, or if a beloved family member dies tragically, or a trusted friend betrays me, or if I burn dinner and have no time for a fast food run. Whatever happens. I want to have a godly reaction.
What I have figured out so far is that God will probably not tell me about future events, but He knows them. And He will prepare me to deal with them as they come. He already is and will continue to build my faith gradually through daily disciplines. Here is my general working list of disciplines:

1) care for my physical body

2) meditate on and memorize God's Word

3) pray with thanksgiving

4) minister to others using my spiritual gifts


In 2 Timothy 3:16,17, God says that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."


Be encouraged today! No matter what is in our future, God knows. God cares. And God prepares.


"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

The Gift of Music

I was so blessed to worship yesterday morning with other believers at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford. My favorite person to worship with is my wonderful husband, Jerry. God has truly gifted him to perform and lead others in worship using music - guitars, drums, keyboards, voices, etc.

As we prayed the other day, Jerry thanked God for music. It was a simple prayer from his heart. And I agree with him in his prayer of gratitude. Won't you join us? And remember, God says we are to make a joyful noise to the Lord. So you don't have to be as talented as Jerry. You just need the same grateful heart.

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3